iHimfWfHiiiiiK}tiunit{in{nu?nin»fif|Mnif}i^ 

''    ' '" '" ''!>5ilUuii  " 


i'iiPiii  I  !i  i 


iiittliliiinilllil!: 


tihravy  of  t:he  trheolo^icd  ^tminavy 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 
PRESENTED  BY 

Rufus  H.   LeFevre 

BX9S7S 


Origin,  Doctrine,  C 
and 


DISCIPLINE 


of  th( 


United  Brethren  in  Christ 


Dayton,  Ohio 

United  Brethren  Publishing  House 

1905 


Copyright,  1905 

By  the  United  Brethren  Publishing  House 

Dayton,  Ohio 


Edited  by  Authority  of  the  General  Conference  by  W.  R.  Funk 
and  1.  L.  K-ephart 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 
THE  CHURCH. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.     Origin  of  the  Church 7 

II.     Confession  of  Faith 12 

III.  Constitution 15 

PART  II. 
membership,  government,  and  ministry. 

IV.  Members 19 

Recept'ion  of  Members   19 

Duties  of  Members   21 

Trial  of  Members 25 

Transfer  and  \Yil:l!fhawal  of  Members  ....  27 

V.  Government  of  the  Church 30 

Classes 30 

Class-Leaders 31 

Class-Stewards 31 

Cliiirch   Deacons    32 

Church  Clerk   33 

Official  Boards 33 

Quarterly  Conference   34 

Annual  Conference   37 

CTeneral  Conference 39 

General  Church  Treasurer 43 

Old  People's  Home  43 

VI.  Ministry  of  the  Church  44 

Exhorters    44 

Quarterly-Conference  Preachers 44 

Annual-Conference  Preachers 46 

Reception      of      Preachers      from      Other 

Churches   49 

Classification  of  the  Ministry 49 

iii 


IV  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

VI.  Ministry  of  the  Church,  continued. 

Elders    51 

Presiding  Elders   52 

Bishops   54 

Trial  of  Preachers    57 

Marriage — Who  May  Sole^nmize 59 

Preachers'  Duties  in  G.eneral 59 

VII.  Itinerancy    Gl 

Itinerants   61 

Duties   of   Itinerants    G2 

Preachers'  Salaries   65 

VIII.  Deaconesses   67 

In  Local  Churches   67 

Course  of  Study    68 

Deaconess  Horues 69 

German  Ceurse  of  Study 69 

IX.  Courses  of  Study 71 

For   Quarterly-Conference   Preachers 71 

For  Annual-Conference  Preachers 72 

German  Course  of  Reading 74 

Completing  the  Course 76 

Preparation  for  the  Miaiistry   76 

X.  Appeals 77 

From  the  Decision  of  a  Class ^      77 

From  the  Decision  of  a  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence     77 

Court  of  Appeals   77 

PART  III. 
:moral  reform. 

XI.  Special  Rules   80 

Temperance    80 

Sabbath  Observance   81 

Slavery    81 

Secret  Combinations ." .  • .  81 

Oaths 82 

War 82 

Marriage  Relation 82 


CONTENTS  V 

PART  IV. 

PROPERTY. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XII.  Church-Houses  and  Parsonages 83 

XIII.  Board  of  Church  Trustees   87 


PART  V. 
institutions  fob  christian  instruction  and  training. 

XIV.  Sunday  Schools    88 

Constitution  of  the  General   Sundaj'-School 

Board 88 

Annual-Conference  Relations  and  Duties.  .  90 

Organization  of  New  Sunday  Scliools 91 

Constitution  for  a  Sunday  School 91 

XV.  Young  People's  Christian  Union 94 

Organ'ization    94 

Constitution    95 

Junior  Society — Constitution   98 

XVI.  Christian  Stewardship  Commission 102 


PART  VI. 
benevolent  and  educational  institutions. 

XVII.  Home  Missionary  Society — Constitution 103 

XVIII.  Foreign  Missionary  Society — Constitution  108 

XIX.  Woman's  Missionary  Association 113 

Articles  of  Incorporation    113 

By-Laws   113 

Branch  l^onatitution 115 

Local   Constitution    117 

XX.  Women's  Aid  Society — Constitution 119 

XXI.  Church-Erection    Society — Constitution....  122 

XXII.  Printing  Establishment  and  Church  Pub- 

lications     127 

Printing  Establishment    12? 

Church  Publications  130 


VI  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XXIII.  Education 131 

Coiiistitution  of  tlie  Board  of  Education.  .  .  .  181 

Academies lo4 

Colleges 135 

Union  Biblical  Soni'inary 136 

XXIV.  Historical  Society   140 

General  Conference  Approval ]  40 

Constitution    140 


PART  VII. 

BOUNDARIES. 

XXV.  Bishops'  Districts    144 

XXVI.  Annual-Conference  Districts 145 


PART  Vlll. 

FORMI^LAS    AND   FORMS. 

XXVII.  Formulas 155 

Reception  of  Members   155 

The   Baptism   of   Adults    15G 

The  Baptism  of  Children    157 

The  Holy  Communion 158 

Ordination  of  Elders   159 

Laying  Corner-Stonc    160 

Church-Dedication 161 

Marriage   Ceremony    165 

Marriage  Ceremony  with  R'ing 16(5 

Burial  of  the  Dead • 168 

The  Lord's  Prayer   169 

The  Apostles'  Creed 169 

XXVIII.  Forms  ITO 

Certificates  and  Licenses ITO 

Bequests    172 

Reports   1^4 

Index   177 


DISCIPLirNiE. 


PART  1. 
The  Church. 
chapter  i. 

Origin  of  the  United  Bketule?;  in  Christ. 

In  the  eighteenth  century  it  pleaised  the  Lord  our  Gort  to 
awaken  persons  in  different  parts  or  the  world,  who  should 
raise  up  the  Christian  religion  from  its  fallen  state  and 
preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  crucified  in  its  purity. 

Aliout  the  middle  of  said  century,  the  Lord,  in  mercy, 
rev.iembered  the  Germans  in  America,  wdio,  living  scat- 
tered in  this  extensive  country,  seldom  had  an  opportunity 
to  hear  the  gospel  of  a  cruciiled  Saviour  preached  to  them 
in  their  native  language. 

Among  others,  he  raised  up  William  OttePxBEIN  and 
^Iartin  KoehjM,  in  the  State  of  I'ennsylvania,  and  George 
A.  Guething,  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  armed  them  with 
spirit,  grace,  and  strength  to  labor  in.  his  neglected  vine- 
yard, and  to  call,  anion.;^-  the  GeruMnA  in  xVmeriea,  sinners 
to  repentance.  These  men  obeyed  the  call  of  their  Lord 
and  Master.  Their  laljors  w'ere  blessed,  and  they  estab- 
lished in  many  places  ex'.'ollent  sociciies  and  led  man> 
precious  souls  to  Jesus  Christ.  Their  sphere  of  action 
spread  more  and  more,  so  that  they  found  it  necessary  to 
look  about  for  more  fellow-lal?orers  to  toil  in  the  vineyard 
of   the   Lord ;    for   the   harvest    was   great   and    the   laborers 


8  DISCIPLINE 

were  few.  Tlie  Lord  called  oiliers,  who  were  willing  to 
devote  their  strength  to  his  service.  Such  persons  were 
accepted  by  one  or  another  of  the  preachers  as  fellow- 
laborers. 

The  number  of  members  in  the  society  in  different  parts 
of  the  country  continued  to  increase  as  time  passed,  and 
the  gracious  work  of  reformation  spread  through  the 
States  of  Pennsylvania,  ^Maryland,  and  Virginia.  Several 
great  meetings  were  appointed  and  held  annually.  On 
such  occasions  Otterbein  would  hold  particular  conver- 
sations with  the  preachers  then  present,  and  represent  to 
them  the  importance  of  the  ministry  and  the  necessity  of 
their  utmost  endeavors  to  save  souls.  At  one  of  these  meet- 
ings it  was  resolved  to  hold  a  conference  of  all  the  preach- 
ers, in  order  to  consider  in  what  manner  they  might  be 
most  useful. 

The  first  conference  was  held  in  the  city  of  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1TS9.  The  following 
preachers  were  present : 

William  Ottekuein,        Adam  Lehman, 
Martin  Boeiim,  John  Ernst, 

Geo.  a.  Guetiiing,  Henry  Weidner, 

Christian  Newcomer. 

The  second  conference  was  held  in  Paradise  Township, 
York  County,  Pennsylvania,  at  the  house  of  Brother 
John  Spangler,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1791.  The  fol- 
lowing preachers  were  present : 

William  Otterbein,        John.  Ernst, 
Martin  Boehm,  J.  (i.  I'frimmer, 

Geo.  a.  Guetiiing,  .John  Neidig, 

Christian  Newcomer,     Benedict  Sanders, 
Adam  Lehman. 

After  mature  deliberations  as  to  how  they  might  labor 
most  usefully  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  they  again  ap- 
pointed as  fellow-laborers  such  as  they  had  come  to  be- 
lieve had  experienced  true  religion  in  their  souls. 

Meantime,  the  number  of  members  continued  to  increase, 
and  the  preachers  were  obliged  to  appoint  an  annual  con- 
ference, in  order  to  unite  themselves  more  closely  and  to 
labor  more  successfully  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord ;  for 
some  had  been  Presbyterians  or  Gerj)ian  Reformed,  some 
Lutherans,    and    others    Mennonites.      They    accordingly    ap- 


ORIGIN   OF  THE  CHUKCH  9 

pointed  a  conference  to  be  held  on  the  25th  of  September, 
1800,  in  Frederick  County,  Maryland,  at  the  house  of 
Bkothek  Fkedeeick  Kemp.  The  following  preachers  were 
present : 

WlIiLIAM  OTTERBEIN,  CHRISTIAN  KRUM, 

Martin  Boeiijm,  Henry  Krum, 

Geo.  a.  Guething,  John  Hershey, 

Christian  Newcomer,  Jacob  Geisinger, 

ADA3I  Lehman,  Henry  Eoehm, 

Abraham  Troxel,  Dietrich  Aurand, 

J.  G.  Pfrimmer. 

There  they  united  themselves  into  a  society  which  bears 
the  name  "United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  and  elected 
William  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm  as  superinten- 
dents, or  bishops,  and  agreed  that  each  of  them  should 
have  liberty  as  to  the  mode  of  baptism,  to  administer  it 
according  to  his  own  convictions. 

From  this  time,  the  society  increasing  still  more  and 
more,  preachers  were  appointed  to  travel  regularly,  as  the 
number  of  preaching-places  could  not  otherwise  be  sup- 
plied„  The  work  soon  extended  into  the  States  of  Ohio  and 
Kejcucky.  It  then  became  necessary  to  appoint  a  con- 
ference in  the  State  of  Ohio,  because  it  was  thought  too 
laborious  for  the  preachers  who  labored  in  those  States 
to  travel  annually  such  a  great  distance  to  conference. 

Meantime,  Martin  Boehm  and  George  A.  Guething 
died,  and  Bishop  Otterbein  desired  that  another  bishop 
should  be  elected,  (because  infirmity  and  old  age  would 
not  permit  him  to  superintend  any  longer,)  who  should 
take  charge  of  the  society,  and  preserve  discipline  and 
order.  It  was  resolved  at  a  former  conference  that  when- 
ever one  of  the  bishops  died  another  should  be  elected  in 
his  place.  Accordingly,  Christian  Newcomer  was  elected 
bishop,  to  take  charge  of  and  superintend  the  concerns  of 
the  society. 

The  want  of  a  book  of  discipline  in  the  society  had  long 
been  deeply  felt.  Partial  attempts  to  provide  one  had  been 
made  at  different  times.  Hence  it  was  resolved,  at  the 
conference  held  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  that  a  General  Con- 
ference should  be  held,  in  order  to  provide  the  same,  in  a 
manner  not  derogatory  to  the  Word  of  God.  The  members 
of  this  conference  were  to  be  elected  from  among  the 
preachers  in  the  different  parts  of  the  country,  by  a  vote 
2 


10  DISCIPLINE 

of  the  society  in  general.     Tlie  following  brethren  were  duly 

elected : 

Christian  Nkwcomer,  Daniel  Troyer, 

Abraham  IIiestanb,  George  Benedum, 

Andrew  Zeller,  Abraham  Troxel, 

Christian  Bekger,  Henry  G.  Spayth, 

Abraham  Mayer,  I.  Niswander, 

John  Schneider,  Christian  Krum, 

Henry  Kumler,  Jacob  Bowlus. 

The  conference  convened  on  the  6th  of  June,  1815,  near 
Mt.  Pleasant,  Westmoreland  County,  Pennsylvania.  After 
mature  deliberation,  they  presented  to  their  brethren  a 
Book  of  Discipline,  containing  the  doctrine  and  rules  of 
the  Church,  desiring  that  these,  together  with  the  Word 
of  God,  should  be  strictly  observed,  and  admonishing  the 
membership   in   the  following  manner : 

God  is  a  God  of  order ;  but  where  there  is  no  order  and 
no  church  discipline,  the  spirit  of  love  and  charity  will  be 
lost. 

Therefore,  brethren,  we  beseech  you  to  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  our  Lord,  as  it  is  written,  "Be  kindly  affectioned 
one  to  another  with  brotherly  love ;  in  honor  preferring 
one  another."  Let  the  mind  be  in  you  which  was  in 
Christ,  who  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  hum- 
bled himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even'  the 
death  of  the  cross,  that  by  his  grace  we  may  submit  our- 
selves one  to  another  in  the  fear  of  God.  He  who  will  not 
submit  is  in  want  of  humble  love.  Jesus  said,  "Whosoever 
of  you  will  be  the  chiefest,  shall  be  servant  of  all."  "By 
this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have 
love  one  to  another."  "He  that  loveth  not  his  brother 
abideth  in  death."  Let  us  walk  in  newness  of  life,  that 
the  prayer  of  our  Lord  may  be  answered  in  us ;  that  we 
may  be  one  in  him,  and  that  he  may  give  us  the  glory 
which  he  gave  to  his  disciples,  that  we  may  be  one,  even 
as  he  and  the  Father  are  one.  Therefore,  beloved  breth- 
ren, let  us  strive  to  be  like-minded,  having  the  same  love, 
being  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind.  Let  no  one  speak  or 
think  evil  of  his  brother,  but  pray  God  that  he  may  grant 
us  his  spirit,  and  an  earnest  desire  to  lead  a  truly  devoted 
life,  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  his  holy  name.     Amen. 

Editors'  Note.— The  foresroing  account  of  the  origin  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  appeared  in  the 
Discipline  of  1815,  the  first  Discipline  published.    Only  the  slight- 


OKIGIN   OF  THE  CHUECH  11 

est  changes  in  phraseology,  as  the  years  have  passed,  have  been 
made.  The  place  of  the  Conference  of  1800,  given  as  Frederick 
Kemp's,  is  the  same  as  the  residence  of  Peter  Kemp,  as  in  the  re- 
cently published  history  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  the 
two  men  being  father  and  son,  and  the  farm  passing  from  the 
possession  of  one  to  that  of  the  other.  The  present  Discipline 
contains  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Constitution  as  amended 
according  to  the  action  of  the  General  Conference  of  1885,  and 
approved  and  confirmed  by  the  General  Conference  of  1889.  The 
Confession  of  Faith  appeared  in  its  first  printed  form  in  1815. 
The  Constitutioa,  in  its  earlier  form,  was  adopted  in  1841, 


CHAPTER   II. 

Confession  of  Faith. 

In  the  name  of  God,  we  declare  and  confess  before  all 
men  the  following  articles  of  our  belief : 

ARTICLE  I. 

Of  God  and  the  Holy   Trinity. 
We  believe  in  the  only  true  God,   the  Father,  the   Son, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  these  three  are  one — the  Father 
in   the   Son,   the   Son   in   the   Father,   and   the   Holy   Ghost 
equal  in  essence  or  being  with  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

ARTICLE   II. 

Of  Creation  and  Providence. 
We  believe  that  this  triune  God  created  the  heavens  and 
the  earth,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  visible  and  invisible ; 
that  he  sustains,  protects,  and  governs  these,  with  gra- 
cious regard  for  the  welfare  of  man,  to  the  glory  of  his 
name. 

ARTICLE    III. 

Of  Jesus  Christ. 
We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ ;  that  he  is  very  God  and 
man  ;  that  he  became  incarnate  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary ;  that  he  is  the 
Saviour  and  Mediator  of  the  whole  human  race,  if  they 
with  full  faith  accept  the  grace  proffered  in  Jesus ;  that 
this  Jesus  suffered  and  died  on  the  cross  for  us,  was  bur- 
ied, rose  again  on  the  third  day,  ascended  into  heaven, 
and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God,  to  intercede  for  us; 
and  that  he  will  come  again  at  the  last  day  to  judge  the 
living  and  the  dead. 

ARTICLE     IV. 

Of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
We  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  that  he  is  equal  in  be- 
ing with  the  Father  and  the  Son;   that  he  convinces  the 


CONFESSION   OF   FAITH  15 

world  oi:   sin,   of  righteousness,   and  of  judgment;   that  he 
comforts  the  faithful  and  guides  them  into  all  truth. 

ABTICLE   V. 

Of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 

We  believe  that  the  Holy  Bible,  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments, is  the  word  of  God ;  that  it  reveals  the  only  true 
way  to  our  salvation ;  that  every  true  Christian  is  bound 
to  acknowledge  and  receive  it  by  the  help  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  as  the  only  rule  and  guide  in  faith  and  practice. 

ARTICLE    VI. 

Of  the  Church. 

We  believe  in  a  holy  Christian  church,  composed  of  true 
believers,  in  which  the  word  of  God  is  preached  by  men 
divinely  called,  and  the  ordinances  are  duly  administered ; 
that  this  divine  institution  is  for  the  maintenance  of  wor- 
ship, for  the  edification  of  believers,  and  the*  conversion  of 
the  world  to  Christ. 

ARTICLE    Vn. 

Of  the  Sacraments. 

We  believe  that  the  sacraments,  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  are  to  be  used  in  the  Church,  and  should  be  prac- 
ticed by  all  Christians ;  but  the  mode  of  baptism  and  the 
manner  of  observing  the  Lord's  Supper  are  always  to  be 
left  to  the  judgment  and  understanding  of  each  individual. 
Also,  the  baptism  of  children  shall  be  left  to  the  judg- 
ment  of   believing  parents. 

The  example  of  the  washing  of  feet  is  to  be  left  to  the 
judgment  of  each  one,  to  practice  or  not. 

ARTICLE  vrn. 

Of  Depravity. 

We  believe  that  man  is  fallen  from  original  righteous- 
ness, and,  apart  from  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
is  not  only  entirely  destitute  of  holiness,  but  is  inclined  to 
evil,  and  only  evil,  and  that  continually ;  and  that  except 
a  man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 


14  DISCIFLINB 

AETICILE    IX. 

Of  Justification. 

We    believe    that    penitent    sinners    are    justified    before 

God  only   by  faith   in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,   and  not  by 

works ;    yet   that  good    works    in    Christ   are   acceptable   to 

God,  and  spring  out  of  a  true  and  living  faith. 

ARTICLE   X. 

Of  Regeneration  and  Adoption. 
We  believe  that  regeneration  is  the  renewal  of  the  heart 
of  man  after  the  image  of  God,  through  the  word,  by  the 
act  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  which  the  believer  receives  the 
spirit  of  adoption  and  is  enabled  to  serve  God  with  the 
will  and  the  affections. 

AETICLE    XI. 

Of  Sanctification. 
We  believe  that  sanctification  is  the  work  of  God's 
grace,  through  the  word  and  the  Spirit,  by  which  those 
who  have  been  born  again  are  separated  in  their  acts, 
words,  and  thoughts  from  sin,  and  are  enabled  to  live 
unto  God,  and  to  follow  holiness,  without  which  no  man 
shall  see  the  Lord. 

ARTICLE    XII. 

Of  the  Christian  Satlath. 
We  believe  that  the  Christian  Sabbath  is  divinely  ap- 
pointed ;  that  it  is  commemorative  of  our  Lord's  resurrec- 
tion from  the  grave,  and  is  an  emblem  of  our  eternal  rest ; 
that  it  is  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  civil  community, 
and  to  the  permanence  and  growth  of  the  Christian 
church,  and  that  it  should  be  reverently  observed  as  a  day 
of  holy  rest  and  of  social  and  public  worship. 

ARTICLE    Xm. 

Of  the  Future  State. 
We  believe   in  the  resurrection  of  the  dead :   the  future 
general    judgment ;    and    an    eternal    state    of    rewards,    in 
which  the  righteous  dwell  in  endless  life,  and  the  wicked  in 
endless  punishment. 


CHAPTER  IIL 

Constitution. 

In  the  name  of  God,  we,  the  members  of  the  Church  of 
THE  United  Beethren  in  Christ,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ,  for  the 
more  speedy  and  effectual  spread  of  the  gospel,  and  in 
order  to  produce  and  secure  uniformity  in  faith  and  prac- 
tice, to  define  the  powers  and  business  of  the  General  Con- 
ference as  recognized  by  this  Church,  and  to  preserve  in- 
violate the  popular  will  of  the  membership  of  the  Church, 
do  ordain  this  Constitution  : 

article  i. 

Section  1.  All  ecclesiastical  power  herein  granted,  to 
enact  or  repeal  any  rule  or  rules  of  discipline,  is  vested  in 
a  General  Conference,  which  shall  consist  of  elders  and 
laymen  elected  in  each  annual-conference  district  through- 
out the  Church.  The  number  and  ratio  of  elders  and  lay- 
men, and  the  mode  of  their  election,  shall  be  determined 
by  the   General   Conference. 

Provided,  however,  That  such  elders  shall  have  stood  as 
elders  in  the  conferences  which  they  are  to  represent  for 
no  less  time  tha.n  three  years  nest  preceding  the  meeting 
of  the  General  Conference  to  which  they  are  elected ;  and 
that  such  laymen  shall  be  not  less  than  twenty-five  years 
of  age,  and  shall  have  been  members  of  the  Church  six 
years,  and  members  in  the  conference  districts  which  they 
are  to  represent  at  least  three  years  next  preceding  the 
meeting  of  the  General  Conference  to  which  they  are 
elected. 

Sec.  2,  The  General  Conference  shall  convene  every  four 
years,  and  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  delegates 
elected   shall   constitute   a   quorum. 

Sec.  3.  The  ministerial  and  lay  delegates  shall  delib- 
erate and  vote  together  as  one  body ;  but  the  General  Con- 

15 


16  DISCIPLINE 

ference  shall  have  power  to  r^ovide  for  a  vote  by  separate 
orders  whenever  it  deems  it  best  to  do  so ;  and  in  such 
cases  the  concurrent  vote  of  both  orders  shall  be  necessary 
to  complete  an  action. 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Conference  shall,  at  each  session, 
elect  bishops  from  among  the  elders  throughout  the  Church 
who  have  stood  six  years  in  that  capacity. 

Sec.  5.  The  bishops  shall  be  members  ew  offlcio  and 
presiding  officers  of  the  General  Conference ;  but  in  case 
no  bishop  be  present,  the  Conference  shall  choose  a  presi- 
dent pro  tern. 

Sec.  6.  The  General  Conference  shall  determine  the 
number  and  boundaries  of  the  annual  conferences. 

Sec.  7.  The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to 
review  the  records  of  the  annual  conferences  and  see  that 
the  business  of  each  annual  conference  is  done  strictly  in 
accordance  with  the  Discipline,  and  approve  or  annul,  as 
the  case  may  require. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Conference  shall  have  full  control 
of  the  United  Brethren  Printing  Establishment,  the  Home, 
Frontier,  and  Foreign  Missionary  Societies,  the  Church- 
Erection  Society,  the  General  Sabbath-School  Board,  the 
Board  of  Education,  and  Union  Biblical  Seminary.  It 
shall  also  have  power  to  establish  and  manage  any  other 
organization  or  institution  within  the  Church  which  it 
may  deem  helpful  in  the  work  of  evangelization. 

Sec.  9.  The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to 
establish  a  court  of  appea!?^. 

Sec.  10.  The  General  (Jonference  may — two-thirds  of 
the  members  elected  thereto  concurring — propose  changes 
in,  or  additions  to,  the  Confession  of  Faith  :  provided,  that 
the  concurrence  of  three-fourths  of  the  annual  conferences 
shall  be  necessary  to  their  final  ratification. 

AETICLE     n. 

The  General  Conference  shall  have  power,  as  provided 
in  Article  I.,  Section  1,  of  this  Constitution,  to  make  rules 
and  regulations  for  the  Church ;  nevertheless,  it  shall  be 
subject  to  the  following  limitations  and  restrictions : 

Section  1.  The  General  Conference  shnll  enact  no  rule 
or  ordinance  which  will  change  or  destroy  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  and  shall  establish  no  standard  of  doctrine  con- 
trary to  the  Confession  of  Faith. 


CONSTITUTION  17 

Sec.  2.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  will  destroy  the  itinerant  plan. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  will  deprive  local  preachers  of  their  votes  in  the  an- 
nual conferences  to  which  they  severally  belong. 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  ruie 
which  will  abolish  the  right  of  appeal. 

ABTICLE    ni. 

Section  1.  We  declare  that  all  secret  combinations 
which  infringe  upon  the  rights  of  those  outside  their  or- 
ganization, and  whose  principles  and  practices  are  injuri- 
ous to  the  Christian  character  of  their  members,  are  con- 
trary to  the  Word  of  God,  and  that  Christians  ought  to 
have  no  connection  with   them. 

The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to  enact  such 
rules  of  discipline  with  respect  to  such  combinations  as  in 
its  judgment  it  may  deem  proper. 

Sec.  2.  We  declare  that  human  slavery  is  a  violation 
of  human  rights,  and  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God.  It  shall 
therefore  in  no  wise  be  tolerated  among  us. 

ARTICLE    IV. 

The  right,  title,  interest,  and  claim  of  all  property,  both 
real  and  personal,  of  whatever  name  or  description,  ob- 
tained by  purchase  or  otherwise,  by  any  person  or  per- 
sons, for  the  use,  benefit,  and  behoof  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  are  hereby  fully  recognized, 
and  held  to  vest  in  the  Church  aforesaid. 

ARTICLE   V. 

Sectioist  1.  Amendments  to  this  -  Constitution  may  be 
proposed  by  any  General  Conference, — two-thirds  of  the 
members  elected  thereto  concurring, — which  amendments 
shall  be  submitted  to  a  vote  of  the  membership  throughout 
the  Church,  under  regulations  authorized  by  said  confer- 
ence. 

A  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  upon  any  submitted 
amendment  shall  be  necessary  to  its  final  ratification. 

Sec.  2.  The  foregoing  amended  Constitution  shall  be 
in  force  from  and  after  the  first  Monday  after  the  second 


18  DISCIPLINE 

Thursday  of  May,  1889,  upoD  oflficial  proclamation  there- 
of by  the  Board  of  Bishops ;  provided,  that  the  General 
Conference  elected  for  1889  shall  be  the  lawful  legislative 
body  under  the  amended  Constitution,  with  full  power,  un- 
til its  final  adjournment,  to  enact  such  rules  as  this 
amended  Constitution  authorizes. 


PART  II. 

Membership,  Government,  and  Ministry, 
chapter  iv. 

Members. 
Section  I. 

RECEPTION  OF  MEMBERS. 

1.  When  at  any  meeting  there  are  persons  who  desire 
to  unite  with  the  Church,  the  officiating  minister  shall 
call  the  applicants  forward  and  address  them  as  follows : 

Dear  Friends  :  Inasmuch  as  you  present  yourselves  for 
admission  into  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  we  rejoice  with  you  that  through  the  grace  of  God 
you  have  been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and 
have  been  made  partakers  of  hie  great  salvation.  The 
privileges  you  seek  are  above  price,  and  the  duties  enjoined 
are  solemn.  It  is  proper  that  you  publicly  confess  your 
faith  and  avow  your  purpose  by  answering  the  following 
questions : 

Questions   to  Applicants, 

2.  (1)  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  that  therein  only  is  contained  the  knowledge  of  the 
way  of  salvation?     If  so,  answer.  "I  do  so  believe." 

(2)  Have  you  accepted  the  Lord  .Tesus  Christ  as  your 
personal  Saviour?     If  so,  answer,  "I  so  believe." 

(3)  Are  you  determined  by  the  grace  of  God  to  follow 
Christ,  renouncing  the  world  and  all  ungodliness,  seeking 
to  lead  a  life  of  holiness  and  devotion  to  God  and  his 
cause?  If  so,  answer,  "I  am,  the  grace  of  God  helping 
me." 

(4)  Are  you  willing  to  be  governed  by  our  Church 
Discipline,  and  will  you  contribute  to  the  support  of  the 
gospel  as  God  prospers  you?     If  so,  answer,  "Yes." 

(5)  Have   you    been   baptized? 

[If  the  answer  to  this  question  be  in  the  negative,  then 
the  applicant  shall  be  instructed  to  attend  to  the  duty  as 
soon  as  practicable.] 

Acceptance  of  Applicants. 

3.  If  the  persons  answer  the  above  questions  in  the 
affirmative,  and  no  lawful  objections  be  made  by  any  mem- 

19 


20  DISCIPLINE. 

ber,  then  the  preacher  shall  give  his  right  hand  to  such 
persons  as  members  of  our  Church.  Then  the  members  of 
the  Church  will  stand,  and  the  minister  will  repeat  this 
covenant  as  follows  :  "Do  you,  the  members  of  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  enter  into  a  covenant 
with  this  applicant  [or  these  applicants]  for  membership, 
and  promise  to  watch  over,  instruct,  counsel,  and  cherish 
him  [or  her  or  them]  with  all  long-suffering,  gentleness,  and 
love?"  The  Church  will  then  answer,  "We  will  endeavor 
so  to  do."  After  which  the  hand  of  fellowship  may  be 
extended.  The  preacher  shall  then  register  the  names  of 
the  accepted  members  in  the  Church  record. 

Committee  on  Applicants  for  Membership. 

4.  A  local  church  which  deems  it  advisable  for  its  pro- 
tection against  imposition  may  appoint  a  committee  on 
applicants  for  membership,  who,  together  with  the  pastor, 
may  make  inquiry  as  to  the  advisability  of  admitting  such 
applicants  to  membership  in  the  Church  according  to  the 
foregoing  requirements. 

Receiving  Persons  from  Other  Churches. 

5.  When  persons  come  to  us  with  certificates  of  good 
standing  in  other  recognized  evangelical  churches,  they 
shall  answer  the  fourth  question  affirmatively,  and  the  hand 
of  fellowship  may  be  given  them  as  in  other  cases. 

Seekers. 

6.  Any  persons  giving  evidence  that  they  are  sincerely 
seeking  the  Lord,  may  be  received  under  the  watch-care  of 
the  Church  by  having  their  names  placed  upon  the  church 
book,  but  shall  not  be  reported  as  members,  nor  shall  they 
have  a  vote  in  the  Church  until  they  shall  have  conformed 
to  the  conditions  in  this  section  relating  to  the  reception 
of  members. 

7.  If  any  person  thus  received  under  the  watch-care  of 
the  Church  shall  cease  to  manifest  a  desire  to  seek  the 
Lord,  the  preacher  in  charge,  by  the  consent  of  the  local 
church  or  the  official  board,  may,  at  any  time,  after  per- 
sonal but  unsuccessful  labor  for  his  salvation,  drop  the 
name  of  such  seeker. 

Preacher^ s  ResjyonsiHUty. 

8.  Any  preacher  refusing  or  neglecting  to  ask  fhe  fore- 
going questions,  except  in  the  case  of  children,  or  who  shall 


MEMBEBS  21 

receive  members  into  the  Church  in  violation  of  this  order, 
shall  be  answerable  for  the  same  to  the  conference  of 
which  he  is  a  member. 


Section   II. 

DUTIES    OF    MEMBEES. 

Confession. 

1.  All  members  of  this  Church  shall  acknowledge  and 
confess  that  they  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God ; 
that  they  will  henceforth  striv©,  with  all  their  hearts,  to 
seek  their  eternal  welfare  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  work  out 
their  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  to  the  end  that 
they  may  be  able  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come. 

Means  of  Grace. 

2.  Every  member  shall  endeavor  to  lead  a  god  y  life; 
observe  the  ordinances  of  God's  house,  namely,  baptism  and 
the  remembrance  of  the  sufferings  and  death  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;  be  diligent  in  prayer,  particularly  in  private, 
and  for  his  own  edification  attend,  when  practicable,  all 
our  prayer-  and  class-meetings,  and  meetings  for  public 
worship. 

Family  Piety. 

3.  Heads  of  families  should  never  omit  to  pray  with 
their  families,  morning  and  evening,  and  to  set  them  a 
good  example  in  all  the  Christian  virtues. 

Singing. 

4.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  the  people  of  God  to  sing  his 
praises,  and  to  sing  them  in  the  great  congregation  as  well 
as  in  the  private  circle.  It  is  therefore  earnestly  advised 
that  all  our  people  cultivate  vocal  music,  so  that  the  sing- 
ing in  our  congregations  may  be  improved.  As  a  help  to 
this  end,  let  all  our  people  provide  themselves  with  hymn- 
books  for  use  in  public  and  social  worship. 

Love  to  Others. 

5.  Every  one  should  strive  to  walk  as  in  thp  presence 
of  God,  and  accustom  himself  to  a  close  communion  with 
God  in  all  his  employments.     He  should  never  speak  evil 


22  DISCIPLINE 

of  his  fellow-men,  but  practice  love  toward  friend  and  foe, 
do  good  to  the  poor,  and  endeavor  to  be  a  follower  of  Jesus 
Christ  indeed. 

Sahhath  Observance. 

6.  Every  one  shall  keep  the  Sabbath  day  holy,  as  re- 
quired in  the  Word  of  God ;  neither  buy  nor  sell,  but  spend 
the  same  in  exercises  of  devotion,  in  reading  and  hearing 
the  Word  of  God,  and  in  singing  spiritual  hymns  to  the 
honor  and  glory  of  God. 

Obedience  to   Government. 

7.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  member  to  lead  a  quiet, 
peaceable,  and  godly  life  among  men ;  as  it  becomes  a 
Christian  to  live  in  peace,  and  be  subject  to  the  higher  or 
ruling  powers,  as  the  Word  of  God  requires. 

Sabbath   Schools. 

8.  It  is  the  duty  of  our  members  to  encourage  our  Sab- 
bath schools  by  their  presence,  when  practicable,  and  al- 
ways to  give  them  their  aid  and  influence. 

Young   People's   Society. 

9.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  young  members  of  the  Church, 
when  possible,  to  join  the  Young  People's  society,  and  by 
faithfulness  to  its  requirements  seek  to  develop  Christian 
character   and   efficiency    in    Christian   work. 

Support  of   the   Gospel. 

10.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  members  of  the  Church  to  pay 
toward  the  support  of  the  itinerant  ministry,  weekly  or  quar- 
terly, in  proportion  to  their  ability,  as  God  has  prospered 
them ;  for  the  Lord  hath  ordained  that  they  who  preach 
the  gospel  shall  live  of  the  gospel.  (I.  Cor.  9 :  14 ;  I.  Tim. 
5:18.)  It  is  earnestly  urged  that  all  our  people  practice 
the  Bible  method  of  weekly  contributions.  "Upon  the  first 
day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store, 
as  God  hath  prospered  him"  (I.  Cor.  16:2). 

Delinquent  Members. 

11.  Any  member  refusing  to  pay  toward  the  support  of 
the  Church,  if  able  to  do  so,  shall  be  reported  by  the  stew- 
ard to  the  class,  or  official  board,  and  if  refusal  is  persisted 


MEMBERS.  23 

in,  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled,  as  the  local  church  or 
official  board  may  determine.  In  case  a  member  is  sus- 
pended, all  his  privileges  and  functions  as  a  member  of  the 
Church   cease. 

Support  of  General  Interests. 

12.  It  is  also  the  duty  of  all  our  members  to  contribute, 
according  to  their  ability,  to  the  support  of  the  various 
benevolent  interests  of  the  Church. 

Receiving  Ministers. 

13.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  districts,  stations,  circuits,  and 
missions  to  cheerfully  receive  the  preachers  appointed  by 
the  stationing  committees  of  the  respective  annual  con- 
ferences. 

Care  of  the  Poor. 

14.  Each  member  of  our  Church  should  willingly  and 
freely  contribute  quarterly,  or  oftener  if  need  be,  as  God 
has  prospefred  him  (I.  Cor.  16:2),  to  the  support  of  the 
helpless    poor. 

15.  When  it  is  known  by  any  of  our  class-leaders  that 
there  are  poor  members  of  the  class,  who  bj'  sickness,  ac- 
cident, or  other  unavoidable  circumstances,  have  been 
brought  to  want,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  leader  in  charge 
to  wait  upon  the  class,  or  to  appoint  some  one  to  do  so,  to 
ask  such  aid,  money,  clothing,  or  produce,  as  the  circum- 
stances may  require.  Should  any  one  class  be  unable  to 
relieve  its  poor,  this  shall  then  be  made  known  to  the  pas- 
tor, whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  inform  the  different  classes 
on  his  charge ;  and  if  it  should  so  happen  that  any  one 
charge  should  be  unable  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  poor,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  elder  to  present  the  mat- 
ter to  the  quarterly  conferences  of  the  different  charges, 
so  that  the  unavoidably  poor  of  our  Church  may  be  pro- 
vided for.     (I.  John  3  :  17  ;  Ps.  12:  1,  2.) 

'Nonconformity  to  the  World. 

16.  Inasmuch  as  the  Lord  has  commanded  us  not  to  be 
conformed  to  this  world  (Rom.  12:2),  to  lay  apart  all 
filthiness  and  superfluity  of  naughtiness  (.Jas.  1:21),  and 
as  the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion,  as  taught  by 
both  the  precepts  and  example  of  the  meek  and  adorable 
Saviour,  are  in  strict  and  perfect  accordance  with  these 
commandments,  we  therefore  humbly  beseech  and  admonish 


24  DISCIPLINE 

the  members  of  our  Church  to  observe  these  divine  precepts. 
"In  like  manner,  also,  that  women  adorn  themselves  in 
modest  apparel,  with  shamel'acedness  and  sobriety ;  not 
with  broided  hair,  or  gold,  or  pearls,  or  costly  array ; 
but  (which  becometh  women  professing  godliness)  with 
good  works"  (I.  Tim.  2:9,  10)  ;  and  "whose  adorning  let 
it  not  be  that  outward  adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair,  and 
of  wearing  of  gold,  or  of  putting  on  of  apparel ;  but  let  i( 
be  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart,  in  that  which  is  not  cor- 
ruptible, even  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit, 
which  is  ia  the  sight  of  God  of  great  price"  (I.  Pet.  3: 
3,  4). 

Necessity  of  Union  Among  Ourselves. 

17.  Let  us  be  deeply  sensible  of  the  evil  of  a  division  in 
principle,  spirit,  or  practice,  and  of  its  dreadful  conse- 
quences to  ourselves  and  others.  If  we  are  united,  what 
can  stanu  belore  us?  If  we  are  divided,  we  shall  injure 
ourselves,  the  work  of  God,  and  the  souls  of  men.  To  this 
end: 

(1)  Let  us  be  deeply  convinced  of  the  absolute  ne- 
cessity of  union. 

(2)  Let  us  pray  earnestly  for  one  another,  and  speak 
truly  and  freely  to  one  another. 

(3)  When  we  meet,  let  us  never  part  without  prayer, 
if  prayer  is  at  all  practicable. 

(4)  Let  us  take  great  care  not  to  despise  one  ajiother's 
gifts. 

(5)  Let  us  never  speak  lightly  of  one  another. 

(6)  Let  us  defend  one  another's  character  in  every- 
thing, as  far  as  is  consistent  with  truth. 

(7)  Let  us  labor  in  honor,  each  preferring  another  be- 
fore himself. 

(8)  Let  us  seriously  examine  the  causes,  evils,  and 
cures  of  heart  and  church  divisions. 

Duty  of  Obedience, 

18.  T^/r  foregoing  rules  are  drawn  up  for  the  better 
regulation  of  our  Church ;  and  we  believe  they  are  founded 
uPon  the  Word  of  God,  and  that  their  observance  is  incum- 
bent upon  all  members.  Should  any  violate  or  habitually 
neglect  these  rules,  they  shall  be,  by  their  respective  class- 
leaders,   admonished   to   reformation ;    and   should   they  not 


MEMBERS  25 

reform,    they   shall   be   suspended   or   expelled,   as   the   ease 
may  require,  by  vote  of  the  local  church  or  official  board. 

Section  III. 

TEIAL    OF    MEMBEBS. 

Personal  Trespass. 

1,  When  members  trespass  against  one  another,  let  the 
following  directions  be  followed : 

"If  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell  him 
his  fault  between  thee  and  him  aione :  if  he  shall  hear  thee, 
thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will  not  hear 
thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more  .  .  .  And 
if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church : 
but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as 
an  heathen  man  and  a  publican"  (Matt.  18:15-17)  ;  that 
is,  he  shall  be  expelled  by  the  local  church  or  official 
board. 

Immoral  Conduct. 

2.  In  case  of  a  member  accused  of  immoral  conduct, 
the  class  or  official  board  shall  appoint  one  or  more  to 
visit  the  accused  person,  and,  if  possible,  reclaim  him ;  but 
if  unsuccessful,  and  the  guilt  be  denied,  he  shall  be  tried 
by  the  class  to  which  he  belongs,  or  a  committee  thereof, 
chosen  by  the  parties  concerned,  with  the  preacher  in  charge 
of  the  circuit  or  station  as  chairman ;  and  if  found  guilty, 
the  accu&ed  shall  be  expelled,  by  a  vote  of  the  local  church 
or  official  board,  unless  satisfaction  be  given.  If  the  ac- 
cused refuse  to  choose  his  committeeman  when  projperly 
notified,  the  quarterly  conference  shall  choose  a  second  per- 
son, and  these  two  a  third,  which  committee  shall  try  the 
case  and  decide.  Yet  cases  may  occur  where  it  would  be 
expedient  to  choose  a  comm-ittee  from  some  other  class  or 
classes  than  the  one  to  which  the  parties  belong,  in  yvhicb 
case  it  shall  be  lawful  to  do  so.  Also,  an  elder  may  be 
chosen  as  chairman,  should  the  preacher  in  charge  deem 
this  to  be  best.  Should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  with  the 
decision,  an  appeal  may  be  had  to  the  quarterly  conference, 
by  giving  notice  thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge,  or  sec- 
retary of  the  trial.  (See  Chapter  X.,  Section  I.,  page  77.) 
In  such  cases,  however,  the  same  person  shall  not  sit  in 
judgment  on  the  same  case. 

3 


26  DISCIPLINE 

Disohedienoe  to  the  Order  of  the  Church, 

3.  In  cases  of  neglect  of  duty  of  any  kind,  imprudent 
conduct,  indulging  sinful  tempers  or  words,  or  disobedience 
to  the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Church :  First,  let  pri- 
vate reproof  be  given  by  the  preacher  or  leader ;  and  if 
there  be  an  acknowledgment  of  the  fault,  proper  humilia- 
tion, and  a  promise  to  reform,  the  person  may  be  borne 
with.  On  a  second  offense,  the  preacher  or  leader  shall 
take  with  him  one  or  two  faithful  members.  On  a  third 
offense,  let  the  case  be  brought  before  the  local  church,  official 
board,  or  a  select  committee  ;  and  if  there  be  no  satisfactory 
humiliation,  the  offender  shall  be  expelled  by  vote  of  the 
local  church  or  official  board.  In  case  the  accused  shall 
deny  his  guilt  and  demand  a  trial,  and  there  be  a  reasonable 
doubt  or  question  about  his  guilt,  he  shall  be  tried  by  a 
committee,  and  if  found  guilty,  he  shall  be  expelled.  In 
case  of  trial  under  this  clause,  the  leader  shall  act  in  be- 
half of  the  local  church  ;  or  if  the  leader  be  the  offender,  the 
steward  shall  act  as  prosecutor. 

Disputes. 

4.  In  case  of  a  dispute  between  members  or  preachers, 
the  preacher  to  whom  it  shall  be  known  shall  inquire  into 
the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and,  if  necessary,  shall  rec- 
ommend to  the  contending  parties  a  reference  to  a  com- 
mittee consisting  of  one  arbiter  chosen  by  the  plaintiff, 
and  another  by  the  defendant,  and  a  third  by  these  two ; 
then  these  three  are  to  decide.  But  if  the  preacher  to 
whom  the  dispute  is  known  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  act, 
then  the  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint  some  one  to 
carry  out  the  rule ;  and  if  either  or  both  disputants  refuse 
to  choose  an  arbiter,  the  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint 
the  first  and  second,  and  these  two  a  third,  who  shall  hear 
the  case  and  decide. 

Right  of  Appeal. 

5.  Should  either  party  be  dissatisfied  with  the  decision, 
an  appeal  may  be  taken  to  the  next  quarterly  conference 
for  a  second  arbitration,  where  each  party  shall  choose  two 
arbiters,  and  the  four  shall  choose  a  fifth,  a  decision  of  a 
majority  of  whom  shall  be  final.  Any  member  refusing  to 
abide  by  this  decision  shall  be  expelled  without  further 
trial.      Members   of   the   Church   or   congregation   who   are 


MEMBERS,  27 

present  at  a  local  church  trial,  but  take  no  part  in  said  trial, 
are  uot  disqualified  because  of  said  presence  from  sitting 
on  the  case,  if  an  appeal  is  taken  from  the  decision  reached 
by  said  church. 

Going  to  Law  Forbidden. 

6.  Any  member  refusing,  in  case  of  debt  or  dispute,  to 
refer  the  matter  to  arbitration  when  recommended  to  him 
by  a  preacher  or  leader,  or  who  shall  enter  into  lawsuit 
with  another  member  before  these  measures  are  taken, 
shall  T)e  dealt  with  as  in  case  of  other  immoralities,  ex- 
cept when  the  case  is  of  such  a  nature  as  to  require  and 
justify  a  process  at  law,  as  in  acting  as  administrators,  or 
when  a  member  is  in  danger,  by  delay,  of  suffering  a  loss 
of  property. 

Record  of  Trials. 

7.  A  faithful  record  of  the  proceedings  of  any  church 
trial  conducted  in  a  local  church  shall  be  kept  by  the 
church  clerk  in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose ;  and  it 
shall  be  his  duty,  in  case  of  an  appeal,  to  furnish  his 
record  to  the  quarterly  conference. 

Order  in  Trials. 

8.  All  church  trials  sball  be  conducted  in  a  consistent 
Cliristian  manner,  without  the  employment  of  magistrates 
and  attorneys  to  administer  oaths  and  conduct  investiga- 
tions. The  Manual  of  Discipline,  authorized  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference,  shall  be  the  recognized  authority  governing 
all   Church   trials. 

Section  IV. 

TRANSFER   AND   WITHDRAWAL   OF  MEMBERS. 

Certificate  of  Transfer  of  Members. 

1.  When  a  member  of  our  Church  removes  from  one 
pastoral  charge  to  another,  he  shall  obtain  a  certificate  of 
transfer  by  a  majority  vote  of  the  membership,  or  official 
board  of  the  local  church  of  which  he  is  a  member,  signed 
by  the  pastor,  or  if  there  is  no  pastor,  by  the  class-leader, 
the  certificate  to  be  in  the  form  of  No.  1,  Section  I,  Chapter 
XXVIII,  of  our  Book  of  Discipline. 

A  footnote  shall  be  subjoined  to  all  certificates  of  trans- 
fer, as  follows : 

Note. — This  is  not  a  letter  of  dismissal  from  our  Church, 


28  DISCIPLINE 

and   it   does   not   terminate   the   connection   of    the   member 
with  the  local  church  which  grants  the  transfer. 

Transfer  of  N on-Resident  Members. 

2.  In  case  that  any  member  of  our  Church  who  does 
not  reside  in  reach  of  a  local  church  shall  make  applica- 
tion to  the  pastor  for  a  certificate  of  transfer,  the  pastor 
may  issue  such  certificate  to  said  member  if  his  Christian 
life  is  known  to  be  good,  and  he  has  settled  all  his  church 
dues,  subscriptions,  and  assessments. 

Notice  of  Forioarding  Certificates. 

3.  The  pastor  who  issues  a  certificate  of  transfer  as 
provided  in  either  of  the  preceding  sections,  shall,  if  prac- 
ticable, forward  such  certificate,  with  proper  notice  ancJ 
explanation  to  the  pastor  of  the  charge  to  which  the  mem- 
ber receiving  the  certificate  shall  remove. 

Notice  of  Reception  of  Members  on  Certificate. 

4.  When  a  pastor  shall  have  received  a  member  on  a  cer- 
tificate of  transfer  he  shall  notify  the  pastor,  or  class-leader, 
of  the  local  church  from  v»'hich  it  was  issued,  and  said 
pastor,  or  leader,  shall  enter  on  the  church  record  opposite 
the  name  of  the  transferred  member,  the  words  "Removed 
by  certificate  of  transfer." 

Certificate   of  Recommendation. 

5.  When  a  member  of  our  Church  shall  remove  from 
one  of  our  pastoral  charges  to  another,  and  shall  make 
application  to  the  pastor  for  a  letter  of  recommendation 
by  which  he  may  unite  either  with  another  evangelical 
church  or  one  of  our  local  churches,  said  member  may  be 
entitled  to  receive  such  certificate  of  recommendation  by  a 
majority  vote  of  the  membership,  or  official  board  of  the 
local  church  of  which  he  is  a  member,  signed  by  the  pastor, 
or,  if  there  is  no  pastor,  by  the  class-leader ;  provided,  that 
the  good  standing  of  said  member  is  evidenced  by  the  settle- 
ment of  all  his  church  dues,  subscriptions,  and  assessments, 
and  by  his  observance  of  the  rules  of  our  Church  pertain- 
ing to  the  "Duties  of  Members"  contained  in  Section  II, 
Chapter  IV  of  our  Discipline,  said  certificate  to  be  in 
the  form  of  No.  2,  Section  I,  Chapter  XXVIII,  of  our 
Discipline. 


MEMBERS  29 

Limitation  of  Certificates. 

6.  A  certificate  issued  to  a  member  of  our  Church  as 
provided  in  either  of  the  preceding  sections  must  be  pre- 
sented to  some  local  church,  or  returned  to  the  church  by 
which  it  was  granted,  within  eighteen  months ;  otherwise 
it  becomes  null  and  void. 

Amenability  of  Certified  Mem'ber. 

T.  A  member  receiving  a  certificate  of  transfer,  or  rec- 
ommendation, is  amenable  to  the  local  church  by  which  it 
v/as  granted  until  said  certificate  is  deposited  with  some 
other  local  church,  or  until  the  certificate  expires  by  limi- 
tation. 

Disposal  of  Delinquent  Non-Resident  Members. 

8.  In  case  a  member  moves  from  a  pastoral  charge  and 
fails  to  report  to  the  local  church  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
ber, at  least  once  each  conference  year,  he  may  be  marked 
"Removed  without  certificate." 

Certificate  of  Withdrawal. 

9.  If  a  member  of  our  Church  desires  to  withdraw  from 
the  Church,  and  his  Christian  life  has  been  good,  and  he 
has  settled  all  his  church  dues,  subscriptions,  and  assess- 
ments, he  shall  be  entitled  to  a  certificate  of  honorable  with- 
drawal from  the  Church  by  a  majority  vote  of  the  member- 
ship, or  official  board  of  the  local  church  of  which  he  is 
a  member,  signed  by  the  pastor,  or,  if  there  is  no  pastor, 
by  the  class-leader,  said  certificate  to  be  in  the  form  of 
No.   3,   Section   I,   of  Chapter   XXVIII   of  our   Discipline. 

MemhersMp  of  Preachers, 

10.  An  annual-conference  member  may  be  received  inie 
a  class  on  his  ministerial  credentials,  provided  said  cre- 
dentials are  held  in  force  by  the  conference  to  which  he  is 
amenable. 

Membership   of  Preachers  Required. 

11.  All  quarterly-  and  annual-conference  preachers  are 
required  to  hold  membership  in  some  local  church,  and 
upon  neglect  or  refusal  to  do  so  shall  lose  their  official  re- 
lation. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Government  of  the  Church. 

Section  I. 

CLASSES. 

Local  Church  Organization. 

1.  A  local  church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  may 
be  organized,  where  not  already  established,  by  any  regu- 
larly authorized  minister  or  missionary  of  the  denomination, 
who  shall  enroll  the  names  of  not  less  than  five  resident 
persons  in  a  book  of  record,  giving  to  each  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship,  and  by  electing  one  or  more  clase-leaders  and 
appointing  one  or  more  stewards.^ 

Division  into  Classes. 

2.  A  local  church  may  be  divided  into  two  or  more 
classes,  where  it  is  deemed  proper  to  do  so,  by  the  pastor 
and  at  least  three  other  members  of  the  church  who  shall 
be  chosen  by  the  oflScial  board.  In  all  cases,  each  class 
shall  elect  its  own  leader,  near  the  close  of  each  official 
year.  After  such  division  the  word  "class"  shall  denote 
only  a  section  of  the  local  church. 

Distanding   Classes. 

3.  When  a  quarterly  conference  deems  it  impracticable 
to  maintain  the  organization  of  a  church  in  any  place, 
whatever  members  remain  shall  be  by  the  pastor  trans- 
ferred to  such  class  as  may  be  desirable  to  the  member  or 
members  so  transferred. 

*  Note.— Until  the  congregation  thus  constituted  becomes  so 
large  as  to  require  dividing  into  classes  or  sections,  for  purposes  of 
convenience  and  efficiency,  the  words  "church,'"  "congregation," 
and  "class"  shall  denote  the  same  aggregate  church  membership. 

SO 


GOVERNMENT    OF    TflE    CHURCH  33 

Section  II. 

JLASS-LEADEKS. 

Qualifications. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  leader's  duty  to  live  a  pious  life  and 
set  a  godly  example  before  his  class ;  carefully  to  study 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  fully  qualifying  himself  far  the  faith- 
ful performance  of  his  duties  as  a  leader  and  counselor  of 
his  class. 

Holding    Meetings. 

2.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  meet  his  class,  in  class-  or 
prayer-meeting,  as  often  as  practicable,  to  speak  to  them 
concerning  their  spiritual  welfare,  and  exhort  them  to 
unity  and  love.  He  shall  extend  the  freedom  of  our 
prayer-  and  class-meetings  to  all  sincere  and  v^ell-disposed 
persons  who  may  desire  to  attend  them. 

Visiting    the    Sick    and   Delinquent. 

3.  When  any  of  his  members  are  sick,  or  delinquent  in 
the  performance  of  their  duties,  he  shall  visit  them  and 
labor  with  them  rs  circumstances  may  require,  or  arrange 
for  some  one  else  to  do  so. 

Class  Record. 

4.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  members  of  the  class. 

Dismissal  for  Delinquency. 

5.  Any  class-leader  failing  to  discharge  these  duties 
may,  on  complaint,  be  removed  by  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence. 

Section  III. 

CLASS-STEWARDS. 

1.  Every  church  may  have  one  or  more  class-stewards 
and  one  or  more  presiding-elder  stewards ;  the  former  to 
be  chosen  as  provided  for  on  page  63  under  "Annual  Re- 
organization," the  latter  to  be  appointed  by  the  pastor. 

Collections   for  Pastors. 

2.  On  circuits  each  member  shall  contribute  quarterly, 
monthly,  or  oftener,  and  on  stations,  monthly  or  weekly, 
for  the  support  of   the   pastor.     Each   steward   shall   keep 


32  DISCIPLINE. 

an  accurate  account  of  the  amount  paid  by  each  member 
of  the  class,  in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose,  pad  re- 
port the  same,  with  name  and  amount,  to  each  quarterly 
conference ;  provided,  however,  that  where  the  envelope 
system  is  in  use  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  steward 
to  receive  the  envelopes,  keep  a  correct  record  of  names 
and  amounts  paid,  and  report  the  same  to  the  official 
board  monthly.  He  shall  furnish  each  steward,  at  the 
end  of  each  month,  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  who  are 
delinquent  in  payment  of  pastor's  salary,  with  statement 
of  the  amount  due  from  each.  The  stewards  shall  thei 
endeavor  to  secure  prompt  payment  of  such   deficits. 

Elements  for  the  Lord's  Supper. 

3.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  stewards  to  provide  the 
elements  for  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  always 
securing  unfermented  wine. 

Dismissal  for  Delinquency. 

4.  For  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duties  as  stew- 
ards, they  shall  be  accountable  to  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence, which  shall  have  power  to  dismiss  them  for  official 
delinquency. 

Presiding-Elder  Steward. 

5.  The  presiding-elder  steward  shall,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  pastor,  secure  quarterly,  by  private  solicitation 
or  otherwise,  one-fourth  of  the  yearly  assessment  to  the 
class  for  presiding  elder's  salary,  and  report  the  same  to 
the  pastor  on  or  before  the  time  of  each  quarterly  con- 
ference. 

Section  IV. 

CHURCH   DEACONS. 

Every  church  may  have  one  or  more  deacons,  who  shall 
be  elected  annually  by  vote  of  the  church.  The  duties  of 
a  deacon  shall  be  to  collect  funds  for  the  needy,  as  pro- 
vided for  in  Section  II,  Sub-Section  15,  of  the  Discipline, 
under  "Duties  of  Members,"  and  disburse  the  same  under 
the  direction  of  the  official  board,  or,  where  the  local  church 
board  is  not  organized,  under  the  direction  of  the  pastor. 


GOVERNMENT   OF   THE   CHURCH  33 

Section  V. 

CHURCH    CLERK. 

There  may  be  a  church  clerk  who  shall  be  elected  by 
the  local  church  or  official  board,  who  shall  be  the  pastor's 
clerical   assistant   and   work   under  his   direction. 

Section  VI. 

OFFICIAL   boards. 

1.  The  properly  recognized  members  of  the  quarterly 
conference  shall  be  the  members  of  the  official  board  of 
each  local  church. 

2.  The  pastor  shall  be  the  president  of  the  board ;  in 
his  absence  one  of  the  members  shall  be  elected  president 
pro  tern.  The  sessions  shall  begin  and  close  with  devo- 
tional  exercises. 

3.  The  board  shall  elect  a  secretary,  who  shall  keep  a 
record  of  its  proceedings. 

4.  The  general  steward,  elected  by  the  quarterly  con- 
ference, may  be  also  the  church  treasurer.  The  treasurer 
shall  receive  all  moneys  that  have  been  collected  from 
class-stewards,  or  otherwise,  and  receipt  therefor,  and  said 
treasurer  shall  pay  ovit  all  moneys  in  his  hands  as  the 
official   board  may  direct. 

5.  The  official  board  shall  receive  statements  of  all  sub- 
scriptions and  moneys  received  and  disbursed  for  the  in- 
terest of  the  station ;  and  all  persons  intrusted  with 
moneys  or  subscriptions,  whether  trustees,  stewards,  the 
treasurer,  or  others,  shall  report  the  same  to  the  official 
meeting  as  soon  as  possible. 

6.  It  shall  receive  from  each  class-leader  a  statement 
in  reference  to  the  religious  condition  of  his  class. 

7.  The  official  board  shall  be  the  estimating  committee 
of  the  charge,  unless  otherwise  specifically  ordered  by  the 
quarterly  conference  as  provided  in  Section  VII.,  paragraph 
13,  page  36 ;  and  said  official  board  shall  meet  the  pastor  as 
6oon  as  practicable  after  the  annual  conference,  and  make 
out  an  estimate  of  the  expenses  of  the  station  for  the  year — 
the  preacher's  salary,  the  presiding  elder's  salary,  sexton 
hire,  cost  of  light,  fuel,  insurance,  and  any  other  ordinary 
expenses  incident  to  the  year's  general  account.  It  shall 
also  determine  how  these  funds  are  to  be  secured, — 
whether   by   assessments   or   subscription,   and   whether   by 


34  DISCIPLINE 

envelope  collectione  made  weekly,  or  by  the  class-stewards, 
or  both,— what  per  cent,  is  to  be  devoted  to  the  preacher's 
and  presiding  elder's  salaries,  and  what  per  cent,  to  the 
current  expenses  of  the  charge. 

8.  Thev  official  board  shall  revise  the  church  records,  as 
provided  in  Section  II.,  paragraph  3,  page  63,  and  on  sta- 
tions shall  be  the  body  to  grant  transfers  and  dismissals 
from  the  Church. 

9.  The  official  board  for  stations  shall  meet  once  a 
month,  and  for  circuits,   at  the  call  of  the  pastor. 

10.  The  official  board  may  appoint  an  executive  council 
of  which  the  pastor  shall  be  chairman,  to  act  for  the 
church   in   matters  committed   to   them. 

Review   1)1/  Quarterly  Conference. 

11.  The  acts  of  the  official  board  shall  be  approved  by 
the   quarterly   conference. 

Section  VII. 

QUARTERLY   CONFERENCE 

Members. 
1.  The  members  of  the  quarterly  conference  shall  be 
the  presiding  elder  of  the  district,  the  preacher  in  charge, 
and  all  properly  recognized  preachers,  exhorters,  deacon- 
esses, class-leaders,  class-stewards,  and  all  other  stewards, 
whose  appointments  have  been  ratified  by  the  quarterly 
conference,  presidents  of  ladies'  aid  societies,  church 
clerks,  when  properly  recognized  by  the  church,  or  official 
board,  or  quarterly  conference,  presidents  of  local  woman's 
missionary  associations,  the  church  treasurer,  trustees  of 
church  and  parsonage  houses,  superintendents  of  Sabbath 
schools,  and  presidents  of  Young  People's  societies,  or- 
ganized in  harmony  w^ith  the  provisions  of  Discipline  con- 
trolling the  organization  of  such  societies,  and  superin- 
tendents of  Junior  societies,  w4ien  similarly  organized,  all 
treasurers  of  Ladies'  Aid  societies,  Woman's  Missionary 
societies,  Young  People's  societies,  and  Sabbath  schools, 
w^hen  said  persons  are  members  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  who  reside  within  the  bounds 
of  the  station  or  circuit,  or  hold  membership  therein.  Such 
members  as  are  present  at  any  regular  meeting  shall  con 
stitute    a    quorum    for   the    transaction    of    business.      The 


GOVERNMENT   OF   THE   CHURCH  35 

quarterly  conference  shall  open  and  close  with  prayer.  The 
quarterly  conference  shall  be  amenable  to  the  annual 
conference  for  its  oflBcial  acts. 

Duties  and  Powers  of  the  Quarterly  Conference, 

2.  In  the  absence  of  the  presiding  elder,  the  quarterly 
conference  shall  elect  a  chairman  pro  tem.,  whose  official 
acts  shall  be  valid. 

3.  It  shall  elect  a  secretary,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
keep  a  correct  record  of  all  its  proceedings  in  a  book  pro- 
vided for  that  purpose,  in  which  the  names  of  all  the  mem- 
bers composing  the  said  conference  shall  be  entered. 

4.  It  shall  make  inquiry  into  the  moral  deportment  and 
official   character  of   all   its   members. 

5.  On  stations,  it  shall  elect,  at  the  last  quarterly  con- 
ference of  the  year,  a  church  treasurer,  wherever  desir- 
able, who  shall  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

6.  It  shall  enforce  discipline  in  all  the  classes  under  its 
jurisdiction,  but  in  no  case  disorganize  a  class  unless  the 
preliminary  steps  have  been  taken  as  required  in  Chapter 
v.,  Section  I.,  paragraph  3,  page  30. 

7.  It  shall  hear  the  reports  of  the  stewards,  and  make 
settlements  with  the  pastor. 

Appeals  and  Trials. 

8.  It  shall  receive  and  try  all  appeals,  references,  and 
complaints  that  may  come  regularly  before  it ;  but  no  mem- 
ber of  quarterly  conference  can  be  suspended  or  expelled 
from  the  Church  prior  to  a  committee  trial. 

Licensing  Preachers  and  Exhorters. 

9.  It  shall  have  power  to  grant  license  to  preach  or 
exhort,  according  to  the  provisions  of  Chapter  VI.,  "Min- 
istry of  the  Church." 

Renetving   Licenses. 

10.  It  shall  renew  the  license  of  exhorters  and  quar- 
terly-conference preachers  annually,  if  they  are  found 
worthy,  and  may  arrange  a  plan  for  the  local  preachers 
to  preach  regularly   at  stated  places. 

Recommending   to    the   Annual    Conference. 

11.  The  quarterly  conference  may  recommend  to  the 
annual  conference  licentiates  of  one  or  more  years'  stand- 
ing, who  have  completed  the  course  of  reading  required. 


36  DISCIPLINE 

General  Stewards, 

12.  The  quarterlj'  conference,  at  its  last  session  in  each 
year,  shall  elect  by  ballot  a  steward  for  the  charge,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  assist  the  class-stewards  in  securing  the 
pastor's  salary,  and  to  receive  and  audit  the  steward's  re- 
ports. 

Estimating  Committee. 

13.  In  cases  of  circuits,  the  quarterly  conference  shall, 
at  its  last  session  for  the  year,  appoint  a  finance  commit- 
tee, which  committee  shall  meet  at  the  time  and  place 
specified  by  the  preacher  appointed  to  the  charge  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  make  out  an  estimate  of  the  regular  ex- 
penses, and  apportion  the  same,  including  the  conference 
assessment  for  presiding  elder's  salary,  among  the  differ- 
ent appointments  according  to  their  respective  ability,  and 
report  the  same  to  the  quarterly  conference  for  ratification. 
This  committee  shall  also  serve  as  an  executive  committee 
for  the  quarterly  conference  during  the  year  in  all  matters 
of  finance. 

Apportionment  to  the  Members. 

14.  As  soon  as  convenient  after  each  class  has  received 
its  appointment,  on  the  call  of  the  pastor,  the  oflficial 
members  shall  meet  and  make  a  distribution  of  the  appor- 
tionment, including  the  assessment  for  presiding  elder,  to 
the  members  severally,  according  to  their  ability,  to  be 
paid  quarterly,  monthly,  or  oftener ;  provided,  however, 
that  it  shall  be  the  privilege  of  any  class  to  collect  the 
amount  apportioned  to  it  by  subscription  or  otherwise. 

Place  of  Meeting. 

15.  The  quarterly  conference  shall  determine  its  places 
of  meeting. 

Appeals. 

16.  Any  preacher  dissatisfied  with  the  decision  of  a 
quarterly  conference  shall,  within  thirty  days  after  the 
quarterly  conference,  notify  the  secretary,  in  writing,  of 
his  intention  to  appeal,  together  witli  his  reasons  for  so 
doing ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  take  or 
send  a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings,  the  notification, 
and  reasons  assigned,  to  the  annual  conference. 

17.  In  all  cases  of  appeal,  whether  to  the  quarterly  or 
annual   conference,   or  to  the   court   of   appeals,    the   course 


GOVERNMENT   OF   THE   CHURCH.  37 

laid  down  in  the  chapter  on  "Appeals"  is  the  proper  course 
to  be  pursued. 

Section  VIII. 

ANNUAL   CONFERENCE. 

Merribers, 

1.  The  annual  conference  shall  consist  of  all  elders  and 
licentiate  preachers,  who  have  been  duly  received,  and  one 
layman  from  each  charge  in  the  conference,  who  shall  be 
elected  by  ballot,  at  the  third  or  last  session  of  the  quar- 
terly conference  in  the  year,  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast 
being  necessary  to  a  choice,  and  an  alternate  shall  be 
elected  at  the  same  time  and  in  like  manner. 

The  delegate  thus  chosen  shall  not  be  one  holding  an 
annual-conference  license  as  a  minister,'^  nor  one  recom- 
mended to  the  annual  ccuference  for  license  to  preach,  and 
such  delegate  shall  have  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
ministers  in  the  annual  conference  except  the  right  to  vote 
upon  the  reception  or  expulsion  of  preachers,  and  the  pass- 
ing of  preachers  in  the  course  of  reading. 

Devotions. 

2.  Suitable  devotional  exercises,  consisting  of  scripture 
reading,  singing,  and  prayer,  shall  be  held  at  the  opening 
and  closing  of  the  conference  sessions. 

Secretaries. 

3.  The  conference  shall  elect  by  ballot  one  or  more  sec- 
retaries, as  the  case  may  require,  who,  in  addition  to  dis- 
charging the  regular  duties  of  secretary,  shall,  immediately 
on  the  adjournment  of  the  annual  conference,  transmit 
to  the  Publishing  Agent,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  a  true  transcript 
of  the  footings  of  the  conference  chart. 

Bishop  Pro  Tempore. 

4.  If  no  bishop  should  be  present,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  annual  conference  to  elect  a  bishop  pro  teni.,  whose 
official  acts  shall  be  valid. 

Examinations. 

5.  All  preachers  shall  report  in  person  or  by  letter,  and 
be    examined    respecting    their     deportment    toward    their 

^NoTE.— It  Is  also  advised  by  the  General  Conference  that  wives 
of  annual-conference  ministers  be  not  chosi'".  as  lay  delegates. 


38  DisciPLiisrE 

fellow-men,  whether  their  conduct  in  life  be  blameless, 
and  whether  they  employ  as  much  time  as  practicable  to 
promote  the  kingdom  of  God  (according  to  Tit.  1 :  7-9  and 
II.  Tim.  2:15),  and  if  found  delinquent  they  shall  be 
admonished  or  advised,  as  the  case  may  require.  But 
should  all  admonition  or  advice  fail,  then  the  name  of  the 
delinquent  person  shall  be  erased  from  the  roll  of  the  con- 
ference. 

Absentees. 

6.  Should  any  member  of  the  annual  conference  absent 
himself  from  the  session  of  conference  three  years  in  suc- 
cession, without  giving  a  satisfactory  reason  for  so  doing, 
his  name  may  be  erased  from  the  roll  of  the  conference. 

Electioneering  Forhidden. 

7.  No  preacher  or  layman  shall  be  permitted  to  elec- 
tioneer favorably  to  his  own  election  to  any  office  or  dele- 
gation in  the  Church  ;  and  should  any  one  be  found  doing 
so,  if  a  preacher,  he  shall  be  held  accountable  to  the  next 
annual  conference  of  which  he  is  a  member.  If  a  layman, 
he  shall  he  held  accountable  to  the  class,  to  be  dealt  with, 
respectively,  according  to  the  judgment  of  said  conference 
or  class. 

Authority  of  the  Annual  Conference. 

8.  An  annual  conference  may  adopt  rules  for  its  own 
government  not  in  conflict  with  the  Discipline  of  tht 
Church. 

Questions. 

9.  The  following  questions  shall  also  be  asked  by  the 
presiding  officer : 

(1)  Have  any  of  your  preachers  died  during  the  last 
year? 

(2)  Who  are  candidates  for  the  ministry? 

(3)  Are  any  to  be  ordained  to  the  office  of  elder? 

(4)  What  has  been  collected  for  contingent  expenses 
and  the  salary  of  pastors? 

(5)  What  has  been  done  for  missions? 

(6)  What  has  been  done  for  Sabbath  schools? 

(7)  Has  reckoning  been   made  with   pastors? 

(8)  Who  are  the  presiding  elders? 

(9)  Where  are  the  preachers  stationed  this  year? 


GOVERNMENT    OF    THE    CHURCH  89 

(10)  Where  shall  our  next  conference  be  held? 

(11)  Is  there  anything  else  to  be  done? 

(12)  Is  all  that  has  been  done  entered  upon  record? 


Section  IX. 

GENERAL    CONFERENCE 

Members. 

1.  (See  Constitution,  Article  I.,   Section  1.) 

Conference  Representation, 

2.  The  annual  conferences  shall  be  represented  in  the 
General  Conference  according  to  the  following  ratios :  All 
conferences  having  less  than  two  thousa.nd  members  shall 
be  entitled  to  two  delegates,  one  ministerial  and  one  lay ; 
two  thousand  and  less  than  four  thousand,  two  ministerial 
and  two  lay ;  four  thousand  and  less  than  eight  thousand, 
three  ministerial  and  three  lay ;  eight  thousand  and  less  than 
fourteen  thousand,  four  ministerial  and  four  lay ;  over  four- 
teen thousand,  five  ministerial  and  five  lay. 

Bishop's  Announcement. 

3.  The  Board  of  Bishops  shall  as  early  as  possible  an- 
nounce the  number  of  delegates  to  which  each  conference 
shall  be  entitled,  as  appearing  from  the  statistics  of  the 
annual  conferences  at  the  end  of  the  third  year  of  the 
quadrennial  term. 

"Nomination  of  Delegates. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  ministerial  members  of 
each  annual  conference  at  the  session  next  preceding  the 
election  for  delegates  to  General  Conference,  apart  from 
the  lay  delegates,  to  nominate  by  ballot  three  times  the 
number  of  ministerial  delegates  to  be  elected.  It  shall 
also  be  the  duty  of  the  lay  delegates,  in  separate  conven- 
tion, to  nominate  by  ballot  three  times  the  number  of  lay 
delegates  to  be  elected.  In  both  cases  it  shall  require  a 
majority  of  all  the  ballots  cast  to  effect  a  nomination. 
This  provision  shall  not  be  construed  as'  depriving  mem- 
bers of  the  right  to  vote,  if  desirous  of  doing  so,  for  other 
ministers  and  laymen  who  are  eligible. 


40  DISCIPLINE 

Annual-Conference  Tellers. 

5.  Each  annual  conference  shall  appoint  a  committee 
of  three  as  a  board  of  tellers,  and  three  as  alternates,  to 
receive  and  publicly  count  the  votes,  and  issue  certificates 
of  election  to  those  receiving  the  highest  number  of  votes. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  tellers  to  meet  before 
the  month  of  November  and  appoint  one  of  their  number 
secretary ;  and  to  said  secretary  all  returns  of  boards^  of 
election  shall  be  made ;  and  the  said  secretary  shall  re- 
tain under  lock  and  key  all  such  reports  until  the  official 
count  is  made. 

Lists  of  Nominees  and  Blanks. 

6.  The  annual  conference  shall  also  furnish,  through 
its  recording  secretary,  to  each  preacher  in  charge  of  g 
field  of  labor  a  list  of  all  the  ministers  and  laymen  nomi- 
nated ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  presiding  elder  to 
have  printed  in  convenient  form,  and  deliver  in  due  time 
to  each  pastor,  printed  tickets  containing  all  the  names 
nominated,  for  use  in  the  election  of  delegates.  He  shall 
also  furnish  to  each  preacher  in  charge  on  his  district 
blank  bills  of  election,  v^'hich  shall  be  distributed  by  the 
preachers  to  their  respective  boards  of  election. 

Boards  of  Election. 

7.  The  leaders  and  stewards  of  each  local  church  shall 
constitute  a  board  of  election,  who  shall,  by  the  pastor,  be 
furnished  a  copy  of  the  list  of  persons  nominated  ;  and  the 
election  shall  be  held  invariably  between  the  fifteenth  and 
the  thirtieth  of  November  next  preceding  the  sitting  of  the 
General    Conference. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  election  of  each 
local  church  publicly  to  announce,  at  least  one  week  be- 
fore the  election,  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  said  church, 
for  purpose  of  casting  their  ballot  for  delegates  to  rep- 
resent them  in  the  General  Conference. 

Absent  Voters. 

9.  Should  any  member  be  incapacitated  by  age,  afflic- 
tion, non-residence,  or  other  unavoidable  circumstances 
and  should  any  minister  be  absent  on  his  charge,  such 
persons   may    send   their   ballots    containing    the   names    of 


GOVERNMENT   OF   THE   CHURCH  41 

their  choice,  with  their  own  names  signed  on  the  back  of 
their  ballots ;  provided,  that  no  votes  shall  be  counted  ex- 
cept those  cast  on  the  day  appointed  for  such  election. 

Election  Returns. 

10.  Each  board  of  election  shall  immediately  make  up 
the  bill  of  election,  sign,  enclose,  and  seal  it,  and  trans- 
mit it  to  the  secretary  of  the  board  of  tellers  appointed 
by  the  annual  conference,  stating  what  church,  circuit, 
mission,  or  station  their  vote  represents.  They  shall  also 
keep  a  correct  copy  of  the  bill  they  send  to  the  tellers ; 
also  a  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  members  voting,  and 
also  the  tickets  used  in  voting,  until  after  the  adjourn- 
ment of  the  General  Conference,  when  they  may  be  de- 
stroyed. 

11.  Pastors  shall  be  required  to  see  that  forms  for  the 
election  ^  of  delegates  are  properly  filled  out  and  the  re- 
turns of  their  charges  sent  in ;  they  shall  be  held  amenable 
to  the  annual  conference  for  the  discharge  of  the  same. 

Canvassing  and  Publication  of  Returns. 

12.  The  annual-conference  board  of  tellers,  after  giving 
at  least  three  days'  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  can- 
vassing the  returns,  shall  make  out  a  list  of  all  persons 
voted  for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each ;  and 
should  any  two  or  more  of  the  candidates  have  an  equal 
number  of  votes,  the  tellers  shall  determine,  by  lot,  which 
of  them  is  elected.  They  shall  also  forward  by  the  first 
of  February  the  names  of  those  elected  to  the  editor  of 
the  Religious  Telescope  for  publication.  They  shall  also 
transmit  to  the  Publishing  Agent,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  a 
complete  list  of  all  persons  voted  for  and  the  number  of 
votes  cast  for  each,  which  record  shall  be  furnished  to 
the  ensuing  General  Conference,  and  if  one  or  more  of 
those  elected  should  be  prevented  from  attending,  by 
death,  sickness,  or  otherwise,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
tellers  or  secretary  of  the  General  Conference  to  notify 
the  next  highest  on  the  bill  to  take  his  place,  and  so  on, 
descending,  if  need  be,  to  the  last  candidate.  No  bills 
of  election  received  by  the  tellers  after  the  first  day  of 
January  shall  be  counted. 

Contests. 

13.  In  case  of  contest  for  the  seat  of  any  delegate  rc- 

4 


42  DISCIPLINE 

ported  elected  to  the  General  Conference  by  the  board  of 
tellers  of  his  conference,  the  contestor  shall  give  notice  to 
the  contestee  iu  writing  forty  days  before  the  sitting  of 
the  General  Conference,  in  which  chai'ges  and  specifica- 
tions shall  be  plainly  stated.  Any  person  failing  to  give 
such  notice  shall  forfeit  his  right  to  contest  in  the  General 
Conference. 

Location  and  Entertainment  of  the  General  Conference. 
1-1.  The  arrangements  for  the  place  and  entertainment 
of  the  General  Conference,  if  not  determined  at  its  ses- 
sions, shall  be  referred,  with  full  power  to  act,  to  the 
board  of  trustees  and  the  Agent  of  the  Printing  Estab- 
lishment. 

15.  Said  board  shall  estimate  the  amount  required 
for  the  expenses  of  the  General  Conference,  including 
traveling  expenses  and  boarding  of  delegates  and  bishops, 
and  shall  apportion  the  same  among,  and  report  the 
same  to,  the  annual  conferences  early  in  the  first  year 
of  the  quadrennium  nest  preceding  the  sitting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Confercace ;  said  apportionments  shall  be  by  each  an- 
nual conference  apportioned  in  annual  assessments  to  each 
charge  in  the  conference,  and  the  pastors  be  required  to 
collect  and  turn  over  the  same  to  the  conference  treasurer 
at  the  close  of  the  year,  and  the  conference  treasurer  shall, 
as  soon  as  the  apportionment  is  all  collected,  send  said 
amount  to  the  General  Church  Treasurer  at  Dayton,  Ohio. 

16.  This  money  shall  be  known  as  the  General  Confer- 
ence Expense  Fund,  and  shall  be  distributed  among  the 
delegates  and  bishops  in  proportion  to  their  traveling  ex- 
penses by  the  most  direct  route  to  and  from  the  seat  of 
the  General  Conference,  and  shall  include  their  board  and 
lodging  during  the  sessions  of  the  conference ;  provided, 
however,  that  if  any  conference  shall  fail  to  raise  the  full 
amount  of  its  apportionment,  said  conference  delegation 
shall  receive  from  said  fund  in  proportion  to  the  amount 
raised  by  the  conference'. 

Examination  of  Annual  Conferences. 

17.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Conference  to 
examine  the  administration  of  each  annual  conference, 
whether  it  has  strictly  observed  the  rules  and  preserved 
the  moral  and  doctrinal  principles  of  the  Discipline  in  all 
its  transactions. 


GOVERNMENT   OF   THE   CHURCH  43 

Election  of   Officers. 

18.  In  the  election  of  all  officers  of  the  General  Con- 
ference, a  majority  of  all  the  votes  shall  be  necessary  to  a 
choice. 

Boards  of  Trustees. 

19.  If  the  board  of  trustees  of  any  of  our  Church  in- 
stitutions shall,  on  account  of  removals,  or  otherwise,  at 
any  time  not  have  the  number  of  members  required  by  the 
charter  of  such  institutions  to  be  selected  from  a  particular 
State,  said  board  shall  be  authorized  to  supply  said  de- 
ficiency by  the  selection  of  additional  trustees. 

Section  X. 

GENERAL    CHURCH    TREASURER.^ 

The  General  Conference  shall  elect  a  General  Church 
Treasurer,  who  shall  receive  and  disburse,  on  order,  the 
funds  of  the  Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  Missionary  So- 
ciety, Church-Erection  Society,  General  Sabbath-School 
Board,  Board  of  Education,  Church  Trustees,  General  Con- 
ference Expense  Fund,  Union  Biblical  Seminary  Fund,  and 
other  benevolent  funds  of  the  Church.  Said  treasurer  shall 
give  bond  for  the  faithful  performance  of  his  duty,  the  bond 
to  be  fixed  by  the  Board  of  Bishops  and  the  salary  by  the 
General  Conference. 

Section  XI. 

OLD    people's    home. 

1.  Any  conference  or  number  of  conferences,  with  the 
consent  of  the  Board  of  Bishops,  may  unite  in  founding  an 
Old  People's  Home,  Orphanage,  or  Hospital. 

2.  The  couference  or  conferences  founding  and  support- 
ing any  of  said  institutions  shall  elect  the  board  of  trustees. 

3.  Said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  incorporated,  and 
shall  hold  all  property  in  trust  for  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

4.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  adopt  such  plans  and  rules 
as  may  be  necessary  for  the  management  of  said  institu- 
tion, provided  such  rules  are  in  harmony  with  the  Disci- 
pline of  the  Church. 

5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  of  Bishops  to  pre- 
sent the  above  interests  to  each  annual  conference  coop- 
erating with  said  institution. 

» For  filling  vacancy,  see  General  Conference  proceedings  of  1901 
pages  473  and  545. 


CHAPTER  VI. 
Ministry  of  the  Chubch. 

SeCTIOjST    I. 
EXHORTEES. 

How  Licensed. 

1.  Any  parson  wishing  to  obtain  license  to  exhort 
must  obtain  from  the  class  of*  which  he  is  a  member,  by 
a  tvv'o-thirds  vote  of  the  members,  at  a  meeting  called  for 
that  purpose,  a  recommendation  in  writing,  signed  by  the 
leader,  or.  preacher  in  charge,  to  the  quarterly  conference 
of  the  circuit,  station,  or  mission  to  which  he  belongs, 
which  may  license  him,  after  an  examination  on  the  ques- 
tions for  applicants  for  quarterly-conference  license  to 
preach. 

Ewhorters'   Duties. 

2.  Exhorters  shall  make  appointments  wherever  ac- 
ceptable to  the  people ;  read  portions  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, exhorting  therefrom ;  exhorting  saints,  that  they 
with  purpose  of  heart  should  cleave  to  the  Lore,  and  sin- 
ners to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come ;  and  this  they  shall  do 
as  often  as  practicable. 

Reneioal  of  License. 

3.  The  license  of  an  exhorter  is  subject  to  renewal  an- 
nually, at  the  discretion  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

Section   II. 

QUARTERLY-CONFERENCE    PREACHERS. 

How  Licensed. 

1.  Any  person  wishing  to  obtain  license  to  preach, 
must  obtain  from  the  class  of  which  he  is  a  member,  by  a 
two-thirds  vote  of  the  members,  at  a  meeting  called  for 
that    purpose,    a    recommendation    in    writing,    signed    by 

44 


MINISTRY   OF   THE   CHUKCH  45 

the  leader  or  preacher,  to  the  quarterly  conference  of  the 
circuit,  station,  or  mission  to  which  he  belongs ;  provided, 
however,  that  none  shall  receive  license  who  have  not 
passed  the  Bible  Normal  Union  Course,  or  its  fair  equiva- 
lent, and  expressed  their  purpose  to  make  the  ministry 
their  life  work,  and  who  cannot  give  satisfactory  evidence 
of  their  call,  religious  experience,  soundness  of  doctrine, 
and  attachment  to  the  Church  and  its  government.  The 
person  making  application  shall  be  examined  by  the 
quarterly  conference,  and  the  following  questions  shall  be 
asked   by  the  chairman : 

Examination  of  Applicant. 

2.  (1)  Do  you  believe  our  Confession  of  Faith  as  set 
forth  in  our  Book  of  Discipline? 

(2)  Have  you  now  peace  with  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus    Christ? 

(3)  What  is  your  motive  in  desiring  permission  ito 
preach  the  gospel? 

(4)  Are  you  satisfied  with  our  Church  government? 

(5)  Will  you  submit  yourself  to  the  counsel  of  your 
brethren? 

(6)  What  is  your  knowledge  of  depravity,  of  redemp- 
tion, of  faith,  of  repentance,  of  justification,  of  regenera- 
tion, and  of  sanctification? 

(7)  What  is  your  knowledge  of  the  ordinary  branches 
of  an  English  or  German  education? 

3.  It  shall  be  the  privilege  of  the  chairman  to  ask  any 
other  question  or  questions  that  he  may  deem  necessary. 

4.  Persons  divorced,  except  on  scriptural  grounds,  shall 
not  be  granted  license. 

5.  No  person  shall  be  granted  license  to  preach  the 
gospel,  by  either  quarterly  or  annual  conference,  who  uses 
tobacco  in  any  form ;  and  any  minister  in  quarterly  or  an- 
Eual  conference  relation  who  has  promised  to  abstain  from 
its  use  and  shall  afterward,  by  satisfactory  evidence,  be 
found  guilty  of  indulging  in  'the  use  of  tobacco,  shall  have 
his  license  revoked  by  the  quarterly  conference. 

6.  When  a  preacher  from  another  church  comes  to  us 
with  a  certificate  of  good  standing  in  the  church  in  which 
he  has  held  membership,  and  gives  satisfaction  to  the 
quarterly  conference  concerning  his  agreement  on  the  doc- 
trines,  discipline,   government,   and   usages   of  our   Church, 


46  DISCIPLINE 

the  quarterly  conference  may  receive  him,  and  give  him  the 
same  standing  which  he  held  in  the  church  from  which  he 
came,  until  the  succeeding  annual  conference. 

Course  of  Reading. 

7.  A  quarterly-conference  preacher  is  required  to  pur- 
sue the  course  of  reading  prescribed  in  our  Book  of  Dis- 
cipline, and  to  be  examined  annually  by  the  presiding  elder 
and  preacher  in  charge  at  the  fourth  quarterly  meeting. 

[For  exception  to  this  article,  see  paragraph  7,  on  page 
47.] 

Renewal  of  License. 

8.  The  license  of  a  quarterly  conference  preacher  is  sub- 
ject to  renewal  annually,  at  the  discretion  of  the  quarter- 
ly conference,  provided,  however,  that  when  the  course  of 
study  required  has  been  taken,  he  shall  be  excused  from 
further  examination,  and  shall  hold  his  license  subject  to 
the  discretion  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

Recommendation   to  Annual   Conference. 

9.  After  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  has  stood  in 
that  relation  one  or  more  conference  years,  the  quarterly 
conference  may  recommend  him  to  the  annual  conference, 
and  if  not  received  he  shall  sustain  his  former  relation. 
The  recommendation  shall  be  signed  by  the  secretary  of 
the  quarterly  conference  or  the  presiding  elder. 

Section  III. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    PREACHEES. 

Holo  Received. 

1.  Every  person  proposed  as  a  preacher  shall  be  exam- 
ined by  the  annual  conference,  or  a  select  committee  there- 
of ;  and  the  following  questions  shall  be  asked  him : 

Preacher^s  Examination. 

2.  (1)  Have  you  known  God  in  Christ  Jesus  to  be  a 
sin-pardoning  God?  ♦ 

(2)  Have  you  now  peace  with  God,  and  is  the  love  of 
God  shed  abroad  in  your  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit? 

(3)  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God, 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHUECH  47 

and  tliat  therein  is  contained  the  only  true  way  to  our  sal- 
vation? 

(4)  What  foundation  have  you  for  such  belief? 

(5)  Do  you  follow  after  holiness? 

(6)  What  is  your  motive  for  desiring  permission  to 
preach  the  gospel? 

(7)  Do  you  believe  that  man,  apart  from  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  fallen  from  original  righteous- 
ness, and  is  not  only  entirely  destitute  of  holiness,  but  is 
inclined  to  evil,  and  only  evil,  and  that  continually ;  and 
that  except  a  man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the  king- 
dom of  heaven? 

(8)  What  is  your  knowledge  of  redemption,  of  faith, 
of  repentance,  justification,  regeneration,  and  sanctification? 

(9)  Does  3'our  own  salvation,  and  the  salvation  of  your 
fellow  mortals,  lie  nearer  to  your  heart  than  all  other  things 
in  the  world? 

(10)  Will  you  subject  yourself  to  the  counsel  of  your 
brethren  in  the  Lord? 

(11)  Are  you  satisfied  with  our  Church  government? 

(12)  Are  5'ou  willing,  as  much  as  is  in  your  power,  to 
assist  in  upholding  our  itinerant  plan? 

(13)  What  have  been  your  school  advantages? 

(14)  Upon  a  satisfactory  examination,  the  applicant 
may  be  ordained  as  a  licentiate,  and  authorized  to  admin- 
ister the  sacraments  of  the  Church,  when  engaged  in  the 
active  ministry. 

Licensing  Women. 

3.  Not  wishing  to  hinder  any  Christian  who  may  be 
moved  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  labor  in  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord  for  the  salvation  of  souls,  it  is  ordered  that  whenever 
any  godly  woman  presents  herself  before  the  quarterly  or 
annual  conference  as  an  applicant  for  authority  to  preach 
the  gospel  among  us,  she  may  be  granted  license,  pro- 
vided she  complies  with  the  usual  conditions  required  of 
applicants  for  the  ministry  of  our  Church.  And  when 
she  shall  have  passed  the  required  examination  before  the 
regular  committees,  she  may,  after  the  usual  probation,  be 
ordained. 

Qualifications  of  Applicants. 

4.  None  can  be  admitted  without  having  a  recom- 
mendation from  the  quarterly  conference,  and  then  only 
to    be   received    on   probation ;    neither,    except    in    extraor- 


48  DISCIPLINE 

dinary  cases,  can  any  one  be  admitted  who  has  not  com- 
pleted a  public-school  course  through  the  high-school 
grade,  or  the  standard  preparatory  course  in  college,  or  its 
fair  equivalent ;  such  cases  to  be  decided  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  the  annual  conference.  If  the  conference  should, 
on  examination,  find  that  the  candidate's  abilities  are  in- 
sufiicient  to  preach  the  gospel,  it  may  refer  him  back  to 
the  quarterly   conference  for  further   instruction. 

5.  Persons  divorced,  except  on  scriptural  grounds,  shall 
not  be  granted  license  to  preach. 

6.  No  person  shall  be  granted  license  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel who  uses  tobacco  in  any  form.  The  license  of  any 
preacher  who  uses  tobacco,  shall,  upon  proper  evidence,  be 
revoked  by  the  annual  conference. 

Exemption  from  Examination. 

7.  Any  person  pursuing  the  quarterly-  or  annual-con- 
ference course  of  study  who  presents  a  certificate  to  the 
effect  that  he  has  completed  branches  or  books  contained 
in  the  courses  in  the  Discipline,  at  any  of  our  schools,  or 
at  schools  whose  standard  of  excellence  is  acceptable  to 
the  parties  conducting  the  examination  on  behalf  of  the 
Church,  said  certificates  shall  preclude  the  necessity  for 
further  examination  in  the  branches  or  books  which  have 
been  completed  as  evidenced  by  said  certificates. 

An  Expelled  Preacher. 

8.  When  a  preacher  or  elder  has  been  expelled,  or  with- 
draws from  an  annual  conference,  he  shall  not  be  received 
into  another  conference  without  the  consent  of  the  confer- 
ence with  which  he  was  formerly  connected. 

Preacher's  Transfer, 

9.  A  preacher  or  elder  who  shall  labor  in  the  bounds 
of  an  annual  conference  other  than  the  one  to  which  he 
belongs,  for  two  years,  shall  be  required  to  obtain  a  trans- 
fer from  the  conference  to  which  he  belongs  and  to  unite 
with  the  conference  in  whose  bounds  he  labors,  or  to  re- 
turn to  his  own  conference  for  work ;  provided,  that  presi- 
dents and  professors  of  schools  and  colleges,  students  in 
our  institutions  of  learning,  and  others  engaged  in  general 
church  work,  shall  be  exempt  from  this  requirement. 

10.  A  preacher  removing  from  one  conference  to  an- 
other shall,   when   he  applies  to   the  latter   for  admission, 


MINISTRY   OF   THE   CHURCH  49 

produce  a  transfer  from  the  former,  signed  by  the  presid- 
ing officer  or  secretary. 

Limit  of  Transfer. 

11.  A  preacher  or  ekler  who  receives  a  transfer  is  re- 
quired to  present  said  transfer  to  another  conference,  or  to 
return  it  to  the  conference  by  which  it  was  issued,  within 
two  years  after  its  date.  Otherwise  the  transfer  shall  be 
null  and  void,  and  it  shall  be  published  that  said  preacher 
is  not  longer  connected  with  our  Church  as  a  minister. 

Accountability  of  Transferred  Preachers. 

12.  A  preacher  or  elder  receiving  a  transfer  shall  be  a 
member  of  the  quarterly  conference  in  whose  bounds  he 
may  reside,  and  shall  also  be  accountable  for  his  moral 
and  official  conduct  to  the  annual  conference  granting  said 
transfer,  until  his  transfer  be  received  by  the  conference 
to  which  he  has  been  transferred. 

Bihle  Cause. 

13.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  minister  to  take  an 
offering  each  year  on  his  charge  for  the  Bible  cause,  and 
report  same  to  his  annual  conference. 

Section  IV. 

RECEPTION  OF  PREACHERS  FROM  OTHER  CHURCHES. 
When  a  preacher  from  another  church  comes  to  us  with 
a  certificate  of  good  standing  in  the  church  in  which  hev 
has  held  membership,  or  with  a  transfer  from  a  confer- 
ence, presbytery,  or  synod,  and  gives  satisfaction  to  the 
annual  conference  concerning  his  agreement  on  the  doc- 
trine, discipline,  government,  and  usages  of  our  Church, 
the  conference  may  receive  him.  If  he  be  an  ordained  elder, 
he  must  pass  the  examination  required  of  candidates  for 
elder's  orders,  but  he  may  be  exempt  from  the  laying  on  of 
hands. 

Section  V. 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  THE   MINISTRY. 

Glasses. 
1.     The  ministry  of  the  Church  shall  be  classified  after 
the  following  order :    First,   as   elders   and   licentiates :    sec- 
ond,  as   itinerants    (active,   superannuated,  or  supernumer- 
ary)  and  local  preachers. 

4 


50  DISCIPLINE 

Elders. 

2.  Elders  are  ministers  who  have  been  ordained  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  provisions  of  Section  VI.  of  this  chapter. 

Licentiates. 

3.  Licentiates  are  ministers  who  have  received  annual- 
conference  license,  but  have  not  yet  been  ordained.  (See 
(14)  page  47.) 

Itinerants. 

4.  To  this  class  shall  belong  all  annual-conference  min- 
isters who  have  been  regularly  received  into  the  itinerancy. 
They   may  be  active,   superannuated,   or  supernumerary, 

(1)  Active  Itinerants  are  such  itinerants  as  have  re- 
ceived work  from  the  conference  or  Church. 

(2)  Superannuated  Itinerants  are  such  itinerants  as 
are  from  age  or  physical  infirmities  unable  to  pursue  the 
regular  work  of  the  ministry.  Any  of  these  having  served 
for  twenty  or  more  years,  shall  receive  such  aid  as  may 
be  determined  by  their  respective  annual  conferences  from 
year  to  year. 

(3)  Siipernumerary  Itinerants  are  such  as  have  been 
admitted  to  the  itinerancy  and  are  willing  to  work,  but  for 
whom  the  conference  and  the  Church,  for  the  time  being,  are 
not  able  to  find  work,  or  who,  by  their  own  request,  have 
been  voted   to   such   relation. 

Local  Preachers. 

5.  To  this  class  shall  belong  such  annual-conference 
preachers  as  are  not  admitted  to  the  itinerancy. 

Glass — How  Determined. 

6.  The  annual  conference  shall  determine  to  which  of 
the  foregoing  classes  each  minister  shall  belong.  Should 
an  itinerant  leave  in  an  irregular  way  the  work  assigned 
him,  he  shall  forfeit  his  standing  as  an  itinerant. 

Evangelists. 

7.  No  preacher  shall  be  recognized  as  an  evangelist  un- 
less he  is  so  authorized  by  vote  of  the  annual  conference  to 
which  he  belongs  or  by  the  General  Board  of  Home  Missions. 
He  shall  report  his  work  annually  to  the  conference  or 
Board  of  Missions. 


MINISTRY   OF   THE   CHURCH  51 

Section  VI. 

ELDERS. 

Licentiate's    Probation, 

1.  After  a  probation  of  four  years,  a  licentiate  preacher 
may  be  presented  to  the  annual  conference  for  elder's  or- 
ders ;  whereupon  the  bishop  shall  propose  to  the  conference 
the  following  questions : 

Questions   Regarding   a   Candidate. 

2.  (1)      Is  he  blameless  touching  the  marriage  state? 

(2)  Is  his  deportment  in  the  social  circle  marked  with 
watchful  sobriety? 

(3)  Is  he  hospitable  toward  the  afflicted  and  needy? 

(4)  Is  he  faithful  in  the  public  ministration  of  God's 
word,  and  diligent  in  reading  and  study? 

(5)  Is  his  household  subject  to  rules  of  piety? 

3.  Should  the  above  questions  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative,  a  committee  of  three  or  five  elders  shall  be  ap- 
pointed, before  whom  the  candidate  shall  appear  and  make 
answer  to  the  following  questions : 

Committee  Examination. 

4.  (1)  Upon  what  foundation  do  you  believe  the  Bible 
to  be  the  word  of  God? 

(2)  How  do  you  prove  the  fall  of  man  by  transgression? 

(3)  How  do  you  prove  the  redemption  of  man  by  Jesus 
Christ? 

(4)  Do  you  believe  in  the  deity  of  Jesus  Christ? 

(5)  What  foundation  have  you  for  such  a  belief? 

(6)  Do  you  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost  as  presented  in 
our  Confession  of  Faith? 

(7)  Upon  what  evidence  do  you  believe  this? 

(8)  Do  you  believe  in  future  everlasting  punishment? 

Duties  of  the  Committee. 

5.  It  shall  be  the  right  of  the  committee  to  propose  any 
question  touching  the  answers  given,  if  said  answers  should 
be  unsatisfactory.  It  shall  also  be  their  duty  to  make  out, 
sign,  and  deliver  to  the  conference  a  report  of  each  case 
which  may  have  been  before  them. 


52  DISCIPLINE 

Election  to  Elders^  Orders. 

6.  If  the  committee  and  conference  find  the  candidate 
worthy,  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  elders  of  con- 
ference he  may  be  elected  to  ordination 

Special  Provision. 

7.  When  circumstances  demand  it,  a  licentiate  may  be 
presented  to  the  conference  for  ordination  at  any  time 
prior  to  a  probation  of  four  years,  provided  two-thirds  of 
the  elders  present  vote  for  the  same. 

Duties  of  an  Elder. 

8.  It  is  the  duty  of  an  elder  to  preach  the  gospel,  to  ad- 
minister the  sacraments  of  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper, 
to  solemnize  marriages,  to  perform  all  parts  of  divine  serv- 
ice, to  be  an  example  to  others  by  himself  following  the 
Saviour's  example ;  and  in  a  very  special  manner  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  an  elder  to  cherish  and  encourage  young 
ministers,  and  always  to  be  looking  for  those  whom  God 
has  called  to  preach,  and  advise  them  to  take  up  the  cross 
and  begin  work  without  delay,  or,  in  case  it  is  required,  to 
enter  upon  the  fullest  preparation,  that  the  gathering  of 
the  gospel  harvest  may  be  faithfully  performed. 

Section  VII. 

PRESIDING    ELDERS. 

Election  of  Presiding  Elders. 

1.  Presiding  elders  shall  be  elected  by  the  annual  con- 
ferences by  ballot.  A  majority  of  the  whole  number  of 
votes  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 

Support  of  Presiding  Elders. 

2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  several  annual  confer- 
ences to  make  such  regulations  for  the  support  of  presid- 
ing elders  as  they  in  their  wisdom  may  think  best  calcu- 
lated to  accomplish  the  desired  end. 

Stationing   Presiding   Elders. 

3.  Presiding  elders' shall  be  stationed  by  the  bishop  and 
two  elders  or  preachers  elected  by  ballot  from  each  presid- 
ing-elder  district. 


MINISTUr   OF   THE   CHTJKCH  53 

Duties  of  Presiding  Elders. 

4.  The  dnties  of  a  presiding  elder  are :  To  superintend 
the  district  appointed  to  him,  to  preach  as  often  as  is 
practicable,  to  give  special  attention  to  evangelistic  work, 
home  missions,  church  erection,  and  education.  It  shall 
also  be  his  duty  to  make  strict  inquiry  whether  each  pastor 
has  received  the  amount  of  salary  due  him,  and,  in  case  cf  a 
deficiency,  to  make  an  earnest  effort  to  secure  the  amount 
due,  and  to  have  all  the  assessments  paid  in  full  on  his 
district. 

5.  He  shall  appoint  the  quarterly  conferences  and 
camp-meetings,  and  attend  them  when  practicable.  He 
shall  hold  quarterly  conferences  and  •administer  the  or- 
dinances of  God's  house  or  arrange  for  them.  He  shall 
inquire  whether  preachers  do  their  duty,  and  exhort  them  to 
maintain  discipline  and  order,  love  and  reverence,  in  the 
Church.  He  shall  look  after  the  organization  of  Young 
People's  societies  on  his  district,  and  make  inquiry  in  the 
quarterly  conferences  as  to  the  work  of  the  societies,  and 
keep  a  record  of  the  number  of  members  and  the  names 
of  corresponding  secretaries  and  their  addresses,  and  report 
them  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Branch  Union. 
He  may  call  extra  sessions  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

G.  The  presiding  elder  shall  earnestly  endeavor  to  arouse 
the  membership  of  the  Church  to  a  more  uniform  perform- 
ance of  their  duties  on  a  minimum  salary  of  five  hundred 
dollars  and  parsonage  on  each  charge,  and  shall  suggest 
the  most  practicable   means  for  securing  the  same. 

7.  At  the  second  quarterly  conference  of  each  year,  the 
presiding  elders  shall  examine  the  boards  of  trustees  of 
church-houses  and  parsonages  as  to  their  having  procured 
articles  of  incorporation  according  to  the  laws  of  the  State 
and  the  regulations  of  the  Church,  and  shall  give  such  in- 
structions as  may  be  necessary. 

8.  Each  presiding  elder  shall  make  a  report,  in  writing, 
of  his  district,  annually,  to  the  annual  conference. 

Vacancies. 

9.  Should  any  district,  through  death,  resignation,  or 
otherwise,  be  without  a  presiding  elder,  information  shall 
be  immediately  given  to  the  bishop,  who  shall  appoint  an 
elder  to  preside  in  said  district  until  the  ensuing  annual 
conference. 


54  DISCIPLINE 

Poivcr  to  Exchange  Pastors. 

10.  Should  it  become  desirable  to  exchange  the  pastors 
of  two  charges  on  his  district,  the  presiding  elder  may,  in 
conjunction  Avith  two  elders,  preachers,  exhorters,  or  lead- 
ers   (one  from  each  charge),  change  the  said  pastors. 

Poicer  to  Dismiss  Pastors. 

11.  The  presiding  elder  may,  in  conjunction  with  the 
quarterly  conference,  dismiss  a  pastor  from  his  charge  for 
inefficiency  or  neglect  of  duty. 

12.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  fill  any  vacancy  in  the  pas- 
torates on  his  district  caused  by  death,  resignation,  or 
otherwise. 


Section  VIII. 

BISHOPS. 

Election  of  Bisliops. 

1.  The  General  Conference  shall  elect  bishops  for  the 
term  of  four  years,  who  may,  at  the  option  of  the  Confer- 
ence, be  reelected. 

Holding  Conferences. 

2.  Tlie  bishops  shall  arrange  the  time  of  holding  the 
several  conferences,  and  attend  and  preside  over  them  as 
the  General  Conference  shall  direct. 

Salaries   of  Bisliops. 

3.  The  General  Conference  shall  fix  the  salaries  of  the 
bishops.  Apportionments  to  meet  these  salaries  shall  be 
made  to  the  Church  by  the  bishops.  Apportionments  thus 
made  to  the  annual  conferences  and  mission  districts  shall 
be  apportioned  to  the  various  fields  of  labor  according  to 
the  ability  of  each. 

Residences  of  Bisliops. 

4.  Each  bishop  shall  reside  within  the  bounds  of  tha 
district  to  which  he  shall  be  assigned.  The  bishops  shall 
be  assigned  to  their  respective  districts  by  a  committee  of 
three  from  each  district,  to  be  elected  by  the  delegates  from 
that  district  assembled  for  that  purpose. 


MINISTRY   OF  THE   CHURCH  55 

Duties  of  Bishoi^s. 

PRESIDING   AT   CONFERENCES. 

5.  It  is  the  duty  of  bishops  to  preside  over  the  annual 
and  General  conferences,  and  strictly  examine  into  the 
moral  and  official  character  of  the  members  of  the  annual 
conferences  in  the  bounds  of  their  districts,  and  see  that 
all  the  laws  of  the  Church  are  faithfully  executed.  It  is 
also  provided  that  the  bishops  shall  have  power  to  inter- 
change with  each  other  in  the  holding  of  conferences  when 
they  deem  it  necessary  or  expedient  to  do  so. 

SUrEKINTENDENTS'    ASSOCIATION. 

6.  Tlie  bishop  of  each  district  may  call  together,  annu- 
ally, the  presiding  elders  of  his  district,  at  some  convenient 
place,  for  the  purpose  of  consultation,  and  planning  for  the 
advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  Church. 

The  bishop  shall  be  chairman  ex  officio  of  this  body. 

Upon  assembling,  the  bishop  shall  direct  the  organization 
of  the  association,  which  shall  consist  of  a  vice-president, 
a  secretary,  a  treasurer,  and  such  other  officers  as  may  be 
necessary. 

Each  annual  conference  representation  within  the  district 
shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote  upon  all  matters  coming  before 
the  association. 

The  business  of  the  Superintendents'  Association  shall  be 
to  consider  the  material  and  spiritual  advancement  of  the 
Church,  and  devise  methods  and  provide  means  for  pro- 
moting the  same. 

Special  attention  shall  be  given  to  the  planting  of  mis- 
sions in  growing  towns  and  cities  where  our  Church  i«  not 
already   represented. 

Each  annual  conference  shall  provide  for  the  traveling 
expenses  and  entertainment  of  its  delegate  or  delegates  to 
the  association. 

ORDINATION   OF  PEEACHERS. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishops  to  perform  the 
rite  of  ordination  at  the  annual  conferences,  and  at  such 
other  times  and  places  as  circumstances  may  require,  but 
only  upon  such  persons  as  have  passed  the  usual  exami- 
nation required  of  candidates  for  ordination,  by  a  com- 
mittee of  three  elders  chosen  for  that  purpose  by  one  of  the 
bishops. 


56  DISCIPLINE 

ANNUAL  MEETINGS. 

8.  The  bishops  shall  hold  annual  meetings,  in  which 
they  shall  determine  the  time  of  holding  the  annual  con- 
ferences ;  decide  questions  of  discipline ;  adopt  measures 
to  secure  uniformity  in  their  administration ;  and  when 
circumstances  demand  it,  appoint  fast  and  thanksgiving 
seasons,  and  counsel  upon  the  general  interests  of  the 
Church. 

SPECIAL    SESSIONS, 

9.  The  bishop  of  any  district  shall  reconvene  any  an- 
nual conference,  when  requested  to  do  so  by  the  majority 
of  said  conference. 

ORGANIZING   MISSION   CONFERENCES. 

10.  In  conjunction  with  either  of  the  boards  of  missions, 
(Home  and  Foreign,)  or  the  Woman's  Missionary  Associa- 
tion, a  bishop  shall  have  power  to  organize  mission  con- 
ferences. 

11.  The  bishops  shall  confer  with  the  presiding  elders 
and  pastors,  to  secure  definite  aims  and  wise  methods  for 
the  development  of  the  interests  of  home  missions,  foreign 
missions,  and  church  erection,  and  shall  devote  as  much 
of  their  time  as  practicable  to  visiting  our  mission  stations 
and  exploring  new  fields. 

GENERAL   FINANCIAL   AND   EDUCATIONAL   INTERESTS. 

12.  The  bishops  shall  devote  attention  to  the  general 
financial  and  educational  interests  of  the  Church. 

REPORTS. 

13.  The  bishops  shall  publish  annually,  in  the  columns 
of  the  Religious  Telescope  and  FroUche  Botschafter,  re- 
ports of  their  respective  districts,  and  also  the  amount  of 
salary  received  from  the  several  annual  conferences  in 
their   charge. 

VACANCY   IN   A   DISTRICT. 

1-1.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  bishop  in  any 
district,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  remaining  bishops  to 
hold  an  election  by  letter  ballot ;  all  members  of  the  pre- 
ceding General  Conference,  who  are  members  of  the  church, 
voting.  The  Publishing  Agent  shall  provide  and  send  out 
the  blank  ballots  and  return  envelopes  under  the  direction 
of  the  Board  of  Bishops.     The  Board  of  Bishops  shall  ap- 


MINISTRY   OF   THE   CHURCH  57 

point  a  board  of  three  tellers  from  the  membership  of  our 
Church  in  the  vicinity  of  Daj'ton,  Ohio.  The  ballots  shall 
be  turned  over  to  them  by  the  Publishing  Agent,  as  directed 
by  the  bishops.  The  bishops  shall  set  a  date  when  the 
ballots  must  be  in,  and  also  when  and  where  the  ballots 
shall  be  counted  by  the  tellers,  these  two  dates  to  be  printed 
on  the  blank  ballots  sent  out  to  the  delegates.  The  tellers 
shall  certify  the  entire  vote  to  the  bishops,  and  they  shall 
announce  the  election. 

ANNUAL   ADDRESS    AND    SERMON. 

15.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishops  to  deliver  a  suit- 
able address  and  sermon  to  each  annual  conference. 

FOREIGN   FIELD. 

16.  The  foreign  fields  shall  be  under  the  supervision  of 
the  Board  of  Bishops,  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  and 
the  Woman's  Missionary   Association  respectively. 

STATIONING   OF   PREACHERS. 

17.  For  stationing  presiding  elders,  see  "Stationing  Pre- 
siding Elders,"  page  52.  For  stationing  pastors,  see  "Sta- 
tioning Committee,"  page  61. 

18.  The  secretary  or  manager  of  each  department  of 
Church  work,  to  wit :  Publishing  House,  Home  Missions, 
Foreign  Missions,  Woman's  Missionary  Association,  Young 
People's  Christian  Union,  Sunday  School,  Church  Erection, 
and  Education,  shall  meet  annually  with  the  Board  of 
Bishops,  to  consult,  to  harmonize,  and  to  plan  the  work 
of   the  Church. 

Section  IX. 

TRIAL   of   PREACHERS. 

Quarterly-Conference  Preachers. 

1.  When  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  or  exhorter 
is  accused  of  any  misdemeanor,  the  leader  or  steward 
shall  prosecute  the  case,  and  shall  inquire  into  the  nature 
of  the  complaints,  and  if  there  be  grounds  for  charges  he 
shall  present  to  the  accused  a  copy  of  the  charges  and 
notify  him  to  choose  a  committeeman,  and  the  prosecutor 
shall  choose  a  second  committeeman ;  these  two  a  third ; 
and  this  committee  shall  try  the  case,  the  preacher  in 
charge  being  chairman. 


58  DISCIPLINE 

2.  If  the  accused  refuse,  or  neglect,  or  fail,  or  be  unable 
to  choose  a  committeeman  after  being  properly  notified, 
the  quarterly  conference  shall  choose  a  first  and  second 
person,  and  these  two  a  third,  and  this  committee  shall 
hear  the  case  and  decide.  If  the  accused  is  found  guilty, 
he  shall  be  silenced ;  provided,  however,  that  either  party 
shall  have  the  right  of  appeal  to  the  next  quarterly  con- 
ference for  a  new  trial. 

Annual-Conference  Preachers. 

3.  When  a  preacher,  elder,  or  bishop  is  reported  guilty 
of  immorality,  trespass,  imprudent  conduct,  or  disobedi- 
ence to  the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Church,  the 
preacher  to  whom  it  is  known  shall  take  with  him 
another  preacher,  exhorter,  or  leader,  and  examine  into 
the  charge;  but  as  the  apostle  says  (I.  Tim.  5:19), 
"against  an  elder  receive  not  an  accusation,  but  before 
two  or  three  witnesses."  If  it  should  appear  that  said  re- 
ports are  well  founded,  the  examiners  shall  prefer  charges 
against  the  accused ;  if  not,  they  shall  report  to  the  next 
quarterly  conference  of  which  the  accused  is  a  member 
that  they  found  no  cause  of  action.  If  charges  are  pre- 
ferred and  no  one  be  found  willing  to  prosecute  the  case, 
then  the  said  quarterly  conferences  shall  appoint  a  prose- 
cutor, whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  notify  the  accused,  in 
writing,  of  all  the  charges  preferred  against  him.  He 
shall  also  notify  him  to  choose  an  elder  as  his  committee- 
man, the  prosecutor  choosing  an  elder  as  his  committee- 
man, in  behalf  of  the  Church,  and  they  two  a  third  elder 
or  preacher,  before  wiiich  committee  the  case  shall  be 
tried.  The  prosecutor  shall  also  notify  the  presiding  elder 
of  the  district  within  whose  bounds  said  cause  of  accusa- 
tion occurred ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding 
elder  to  appoint  the  time  and  place  of  trial,  giving  not  lees 
than  twenty  nor  more  than  forty  days'  notice,  to  the 
parties  concerned,  of  said  trial ;  and  he  shall  also  act  as 
chairman  in  the  case.  Should  a  majority  of  the  commit- 
tee be  satisfied  that  the  accusation  is  sustained,  they  shall 
require  him  to  hold  hie  peace  until  the  annual  conference, 
where  he  shall  be  accountable,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  committee  to  transmit  in  writing  the  entire  proceed- 
ings of  said  trial  to  the  annual  conference,  where  the 
accused  shall  have   a  hearing   before   the  conference,   or  a 


MINISTRY   OF   THE    CHURCH  59 

select  committee  thereof ;  and  if  the  findings  are  sustained, 
he  shall  be  susijended,  expelled,  or  otherwise  dealt  with, 
as  the  conference  may  determine.  But  should  the  ac- 
cused, after  having  been  duly  notified,  refuse  or  neglect  to 
comply  in  choosing  his  committeeman  and  notifying  the 
prosecutor  within  fifteen  days,  the  presiding  elder  shall 
suspend  him  until  the  annual  conference,  where,  if  he 
shall  refuse  to  appear,  he  shall  be  dealt  with  according  to 
the  judgment  of  the  conference ;  provided,  however,  if  he 
be  an  elder,  elders  only  shall  vote  in  the  case ;  and  pro- 
vided further,  that  if  the  committeemen  chosen  by  the 
prosecutor  and  accused  fail  to  agree  as  to  the  third  mem- 
ber of  the  committee,  then  the  quarterly  conference  shall 
appoint  said  committeeman.  If  the  accused  or  prose- 
cutor be  a  presiding  elder  or  bishop,  the  presiding  elder 
or  bishop,  as  the  case  may  be,  next  adjoining,  shall  act  as 
chairman  in  the  trial ;  provided,  that  in  conferences  having 
only  one  presiding  elder,  the  bishop  shall  appoint  a  chair- 
man to  act  in  the  case. 

4.  The  foregoing  relates  only  to  annual-conference  mem- 
bers. 

Sectioist  X. 

MARRIAGE — WHO   MAY   SOLEMI^TIZE. 

1.  All   ordained   ministers. 

2.  All  annual-conference  ministers,  where  the  law  of  the 
State  makes  it  the  privilege  of  every  regularly  licensed 
minister  to  solemnize  marriage,  are  authorized  to  solemnize 
marriage ;  but  none  having  quarterly  conference  license  only 
are  permitted  to  do  so. 

Section  XI. 

preachers'  duties  in  general. 

1.  The  duties  of  preachers  are,  to  preach  Christ  cruci- 
fied ;  to  organize  churches,  and  report  the  same  to  annual 
conferences ;  converse  with  the  members  on  their  spiritual 
condition ;  administer  relief ;  strengthen  and  direct  those 
that  are  afilicted  or  labor  under  temptations ;  animate 
the  indolent ;  endeavor  as  much  as  possible  to  edify  and 
instruct  all  in  faith,  in  the  Christian  virtues,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ;  visit  the  sick;  and  strive  to 
enforce  and  confirm  the  doctrine  they  deliver  by  a  well- 
ordered  and  exemplary  life. 


60  DISCIPLINE 

Directions  to  Preachers. 

2.  Let  preachers  heed  the  following  directions : 

(1)  Be  diligent.  Never  trifle  away  your  time.  Al- 
ways be  serious.  Let  your  motto  be  "Holiness  unto 
THE  Lord."  Avoid  all  vain  conversation,  conduct  your- 
self prudently,  and  demean  yourself  in  all  respects  as  a 
true  Christian.  Be  at  all  times  averse  to  crediting  evil 
reports.  Believe  evil  of  no  one  without  good  evidence.  Put 
the  best  construction  on  everything. 

(2)  Speak  evil  of  no  one.  Whatever  may  be  your 
thoughts,  keep  them  within  your  own  breast  until  you 
can  tell  the  person  concerned  what  you  think  wrong  in  his 
conduct. 

(3)  Let  your  business  be  to  save  as  many  souls  as 
possible.  To  this  employment  give  yourself  up  wholly. 
Visit  those  who  need  it,  and  act  in  all  things,  not  accord- 
ing to  your  own  will,  but  as  sons  in  the  gospel ;  for  as 
such  it  becomes  your  duty  to  employ  your  time  in  the 
manner  prescribed,  in  preaching,  and  in  visiting  from 
house  to  house,  in  instruction  and  prayer,  and  in  meditat- 
ing on  the  Word  of  God.  With  these  things  be  occupied 
until  our  Lord  shall  come. 

Preachers  Not  to  Trespass. 

3.  No  preacher  shall  arbitrarily  form  a  circuit,  mission, 
or  station  within  the  limits  of  a  circuit  or  presiding-elder 
district,  or  shall  receive  compensation  for  labor  performed, 
without  the  consent  of  the  preacher  in  charge ;  nor  shall 
any  minister  preaching  in  a  different  language  accept  a 
call  from  any  regularly  organized  class  or  congregation 
which  does  not  belong  to  this  conference,  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  annual  conference  to'  which  the  charge  making 
the  request  may  belong.  Any  preacher  violating  the  pro- 
visions of  this  section  shall  be  amenable  to  his  quarterly  or 
annual  conference. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
Itineranci. 

^CTION     I. 

ITINERANTS. 

Hovj  Constituted. 

1.  All  who  propose  themselves  without  reserve,  after 
having  labored  two  years  under  the  direction  of  the  sta- 
tioning committee  or  presiding  elder,  and  have  been  re- 
ceived as  such  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
of  conference,  shall  be  recognized  as  itinerants. 

Withdrawing  from  the  Itinerancy. 

2.  If  any  one  who  is  thus  received  shall  withdraw  from 
active  work  without  giving  satisfaction  to  the  conference 
of  which  he  is  a  member,  he  shall  not  be  entitled  to  any 
support  from  the  funds  belonging  to  said  conference. 
And,  furthermore,  he  shall  not  reenter  the  itinerancy 
without  the  consent  of  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  confer- 
ence. *  Yet  supernumerary  and  superannuated  relations  shall 
be  duly  recognized  as  in  accordance  with  this  requirement, 
and  may  be  secured  to  any  brother  having  just  claims 
thereto,  by  a  vote  of  the  conference. 

Pastor's  Resignation. 

3.  Should  a  pastor  desire  to  leave  the  work  assigned  him, 
he  must  inform  the  presiding  elder  of  his  intention,  in  writ- 
ing, and  satisfy  him  that  all  his  obligations  to  the  charge 
have  been  satisfactorily  adjusted ;  and  should  any  one  leave 
or  neglect  his  charge,  except  it  be  through  sickness  or 
other  unavoidable  circumstances,  he  shall  be  accountable 
to  the  next  annual  conference. 

Stationing  Committee. 

4.  The  bishop  and  presiding  elders  of  the  past  and  pres- 
ent years  shall  constitute  a  stationing  committee,  whose 
duty   it   shall   be   to   supply   all   the  circuits,   stations,   and 

61 


62  DISCIPLINE 

missions,  as  far  as  practicable,  from  the  list  of  itinerants; 
provided,  however,  that  where  there  is  but  one  presiding 
elder  on  the  committee,  the  conference  may  elect  to  the 
same  another  elder  from  the  elders  not  asking  for  work 
from  said  committee. 

5.  The  stationing  committee  shall  have  at  least  two 
meetings  before  its  work  is  completed. 

Appeal    from    Stationing    Committee^s    Report. 

6.  If  any  of  the  preachers  thus  stationed,  or  any  who 
may  not  receive  an  appointment,  are  dissatisfied,  they  shall 
have  a  right  to  appeal  to  the  annual  conference.  If  two- 
thirds  grant  the  appeal,  the  decision  shall  be  final.  In  case 
of  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  stationing  committee, 
no  preacher  stationed  by  said  committee  shall  be  changed, 

V  without  his  consent,  to  accommodate  the  preacher  making 
such  appeal.  In  no  case  shall  preachers  be  permitted  to 
exchange  charges,  except  in  the  manner  provided  for  is 
paragraph  10  of  Section  VII.,  of  Chapter  VI.,  page  54. 

Report  of  Stationing  Committee. 

7.  The  report  of  the  stationing  committee  shall  be  read 
at  least  six  hours  before  the  adjournment  of  conference. 

Employment  of  Other  Preachers. 

8.  Should  there  not  be  enough  itinerants  to  supply  all 
the  circuits,  stations,  and  missions,  the  remaining  charges 
shall  be  supplied  by  the  stationing  committee  or  presiding 
elders. 

Pastoral  Charges. 

9.  A  circuit  or  station  shall  not  consist  of  any  specific 
number  of  members  or  appointments ;  but  when  the  an- 
nual conference  judges  it  able  to  support  a  minister,  it 
may  be  so  recognized, 

10.  The  pastor  shall  have  full  control  of  his  pulpit,  and 
no  board  of  trustees  shall  permit  any  one  to  preach  therein 
without  his  consent. 

Section  II. 

DUTIES    OF    ITINERANTS. 

1.  It  is  the  duty  of  an  itinerant  preacher  to  take  the 
charge  assigned  him,  and  to  move  to  it  if  practicable. 


ITINERANCY  63 

2.  He  shall  visit  regularly  the  appointments  on  his 
charge,  preach  to  the  people,  and  hold  class-meetings  when- 
ever practicable,  and  whenever  possible  organize  and  main- 
tain Young  People's  Christian  societies. 

Revision  of  Church  Records. 

3.  He,  in  connection  with  the  leader  and  steward  or 
stewards  of  each  class, — on  stations,  in  connection  with 
the  official  board, — shall  at  least  one  month  before  annual 
conference  revise  the  church  records.  The  duties  of  the 
committee  on  revision  shall  be  essentially  clerical,  and 
the  name  of  no  member  shall  be  erased  from  the  records 
unless  the  disciplinary  steps  shall  have  been  taken.  (See 
Chapter  IV.,  Section  II.,  paragraph  18,  page  24 ;  Chapter 
IV.,  Section  III.,  page  25 ;  and  Chapter  V.,  Section  I.,  para- 
graph 3,  page  30.) 

Annual  Reorganization. 

4.  He,  in  connection  with  the  leader  and  steward  or 
stewards  of  each  class, — on  stations,  in  connection  with 
the  official  board, — shall,  at  the  time  when  the  records 
are  revised,  appoint  a  steward  or  stewards,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  class.  He  shall  hold  a  meeting  of  the 
class  and  see  that  a  class-leader  is  elected. 

Presiding  at  Trials. 

5.  He  shall  sit  as  president  at  the  trial  of  members  and 
see  that  a  correct  account  of  the  same  is  kept. 

Reports. 

6.  He  shall  render  a  strict  account  (as  indicated  in 
Form  15,  page  170)  of  his  work  at  each  quarterly  confer- 
ence, where  he  is  to  be  held  accountable  for  neglect  of 
duty. 

Circulation  of  Literature. 

7.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  use  every  laudable  effort  to 
circulate  our  books  and  Church  periodicals,  and  to  use  due 
diligence  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Church  Printing 
Establishment. 

8.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  keep  a  list  of  the  names  of  all 
the  subscribers  to  our  Church  periodicals,  and  the  time 
of  subscribing,  at  the  different  appointments  on  his  charge, 
and  hand  it  over  to  his  successor  at  the  annual  conference. 


64  -  DISCIPLINE 

with  the  list  of  the  appointments.  He  shall  also  report 
the  number  of  subscribers  to  our  periodicals  on  his  charge 
at  each  quarterly  conference,  and  be  examined  by  the  pre- 
siding elder  and  quarterly  conference  as  to  whether  he  per- 
forms his  duty  in  circulating  the  periodicals  of  the  Church 
among  the  people. 

Dismissal  of  Appointments. 

9.  A  preacher  is  not  permitted  to  dismiss  any  appoint- 
ment from  his  circuit  or  mission  without  the  consent  of  the 
quarterly  conference. 

Records. 

10.  He  shall  procure  a  suitable  book  for  a  church  rec- 
ord, in  which  he  shall  register  all  the  appointments  and 
classes  on  his  circuit,  station,  or  mission,  in  regular  order, 
with  the  name  of  each  member  properly  recorded  in  con- 
nection with  his  own  class.  He  shall  also  make  a  record  of  all 
the  baptisms,  marriages,  deaths,  and  proceedings  of  church 
trials,  with  the  names  of  all  the  parties  in  each  case.  He 
shall  report  this  record  with  the  proceedings  therein  to  the 
last  quarterly  conference  of  each  year  for  approval  or  im- 
provement. This  book  shall  be  the  property  of  the  quarterly 
conference,  and  shall  be  in  addition  to  the  regular  class- 
books  and  circuit-books. 

General  Collections. 

11.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  preacher  in  charge  of 
a  field  of  labor  to  collect  the  annual  amount  apportioned  to 
his  charge  for  the  support  of  the  bishops  and  presiding 
elders,  and  also  all  other  conference  assessments.  And 
should  he  fail  to  collect  in  full  and  not  be  able  to  give  a 
satisfactory  reason  for  such  a  failure,  he  shall  be  account- 
able to  the  annual  conference. 

Missionary  Collections. 

12.  He  shall  hold  a  general  missionary  meeting  at 
some  convenient  place  on  his  work.  He  shall  also  preach 
a  missionary  sermon,  and  appoint  a  soliciting  committee 
at  every  appointment,  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  himself,  to  canvass  the  church  and  community 
personally,  and  solicit  funds  for  the  Missionary  Society. 
He  shall  also  keep  a  list  of  the  names  of  contributors,  as 


ITINERANCY  65 

far  as  possible,  and  report  the  same  to  conference  for  pub- 
lication with  the  minutes.  He  shall  also  establish  monthly 
missionary  prayer-meetings  wherever  practicable  in  the 
societies  of  his  charge.  He  shall  be  held  to  strict  account 
for  the  faithful  performance  of  these  duties. 

Pastoral  Visiting. 

13.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  preacher  in  charge  of  a 
station  or  circuit  to  give  as  much  of  his  time  as  possible 
to  visiting  the  families  under  his  charge,  and  to  pay  strict 
attention  to  the  young  members  under  his  care.  This 
private  work  of  visiting  from  house  to  house  and  exhort- 
ing the  people  is  founded  on  these  solemn  words  of  the 
apostle :  "I  kept  back  nothing  that  was  profitable  unto 
you,  but  have  shewed  you,  and  have  taught  you  publicly, 
and  from  house  to  house"    (Acts  20:20). 

Home  Training  of  Children. 

14.  Because  of  the  powerful  and  far-reaching  influence 
of  home  life  upon  the  young,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
pastor  to  direct  the  attention  of  his  people  to  the  vital 
importance  of  family  government  and  Christian  nurture. 
He  shall  do  this  publicly  and  privately  by  directing  atten- 
tion to  books  and  periodicals  giving  helpful  instruction 
upon  this  subject,  and  also  by  presenting  in  his  public 
ministrations  the  teaching  of  God's  Word  respecting  the 
duty  of  parents  to  train  up  their  children  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Evangelistic    Work. 

15.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  preachers,  whether  local 
or  itinerant,  to  make  every  laudable  effort  to  enlarge  the 
borders  of  our  Zion,  to  spread  scriptural  holiness,  and  to 
report  to  their  respective  annual  conferences  the  number 
of  new  appointments  established. 

Section  III. 

preachers'  salaries. 

1.     The  salary  of  a  pastor  shall  be  such  amount  as  may 
be  agreed  upon  between   him  and  the  quarterly  conference 
of  the  field  of  labor  to  which  he  is  sent ;   and  said  agree- 
5 


66  DISCIPLINE 

ment  shall  be  a  valid  contract  between  the  parties  there- 
to. When  a  charge  owns  a  parsonage,  or  rents  a  house 
for  the  pastor  to  live  in,  the  charge  shall  have  credit  for 
the  same  by  the  pastor  reporting  as  so  much  salary  the 
amount  the  parsonage  would  rent  for  or  the  amount  paid 
for  the  rented  house. 

2.  A  missionary  employed  by  the  Board  of  Missions 
shall  receive  such  salary  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board 
may  be  proper. 

Superannuated    Preachers. 

3.  Preachers  sustaining  a  superannuated  relation,  and 
the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  ministers,  shall  be 
provided  for  by  their  respective  annual  conferences,  as 
their  wants  may  require. 

Parsonage  and  Moving  of  Preacher. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  circuit  or  station,  when  a 
preacher  is  sent  to  it  by  an  annual  conference,  to  provide 
a  house  and  move  the  preacher  at  its  own  expense. 


CHAPTER  VIIL 

Deaconesses, 
Section  I. 

DEACOTsTESSES — IN    LOCAL    CHUECHES. 

1.  When  any  sister  of  suitable  age,  health,  ability,  cul- 
ture, and  piety,  wishes  to  become  a  deaconess,  she  shall 
receive  a  recommendation  to  the  quarterly  conference  from 
the  class  where  she  holds  her  membership.  If,  after  ex- 
amination by  the  presiding  elder,  or  a  committee  appointed 
by  him,  she  is  approved  by  the  quarterly  conference,  she 
shall  receive  license  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  deaconess 
in  the  local  church,  said  license  subject  to  annual  renewal. 

2.  Her  duties  shall  be  to  teach  in  the  Sunday  school, 
the  kindergarten,  the  Young  People's  Christian  Union,  and 
in  the  houses  of  the  people  such  religious  and  otherwise 
useful  knowledge  as  may  be  needed ;  to  visit  from  house  to 
house,  reading,  singing,  teaching,  exhorting,  or  comforting 
the  people,  as  the  case  may  require ;  to  nurse,  or  otherwise 
minister  to  the  sick  and  needy ;  to  solicit  funds  or  supplies, 
and  distribute  the  same ;  all  under  the  direction  of  the  pas- 
tor, to  whom  she  shall  report  as  often  as  he  may  desire. 

3.  A  uniform  costume  shall  be  selected  by  a  committee 
appointed  by  the  bishops,  to  distinguish  and  protect  her. 

4.  The  deaconess  work  is  a  high  and  holy  calling  for 
sacrificial  service.  Each  local  church  must  provide  for  any 
necessary  expense  attending  this  work,  always,  however, 
encouraging  those  who  enter  upon  this  service  to  do  so 
for  the  love  of  Christ  and  humanity. 

5.  No  one  shall  be  required  to  make  a  perpetual  vow 
in  this  work,  but  any  one  may  retire  from  this  office  at 
pleasure,  after  giving  the  pastor  the  proper  notice. 

6.  The  deaconess  shall  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly 
conference  where  she  serves,  and  shall  be  responsible  to  it 
for  her  moral  and  official  character. 

7.  If  the  deaconess  is  deficient  in  any  of  the  common-school 
studies,  she  must  pass  examination  in  these,  along  with  the 
following  course  of  study.     The  presiding  elder  and  pastor 

67 


68  DISCIPLINE 

shall  conduct  the  examination  in  writing  annually,   or  on 
part  of  the  course  quarterly,  as  the  candidate  may  desire. 

COURSE  OF  STUDY. 

First  Year. 

The  English  Bible. 

Synthetic   Bible    Studies — Gray. 

With  Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer — Murray. 

Life  of  Christ — Stalker.  , 

United  Brethren  Handbook — Shuey. 

United  Brethren  Discipline. 

Deaconesses — Wheeler. 

Books  to  6e  Read — 
Primer  of   Psychology — Ladd. 

History  of  the   United  Brethren  Church — Berger. 
Revivals — Torrey. 
Seven  Laws  of  Teaching — Gregory. 

Second  Year. 

The  English  Bible. 

Outline   Bible   Studies — Dunning. 

Revised   Normal    Lessons — Hurlbut. 

Christian    Character — Kilpatrick. 

Theology — Weaver. 

Life  of  St.   Paul— Stalker. 

Social  Law  of   Service — Ely. 

Books  to  ie  Read — 

The  Tongue  of  Fire — Arthur. 

The  Christian's  Secret  of  a  Happy  Life — Smith. 

Bible   Geography — Hurlbut. 

Manual   of  Nursing — Weeks.  ' 

The  deaconess  desirous  to  become  a  nurse  should  take 
the  course  of  training  for  that  purpose  in  a  school  con- 
nected with  a  good  hospital. 

8.  On  the  completion  of  the  course  of  study,  and  two 
years'  practical  work  under  the  direction  of  a  pastor,  or  an 
equivalent  course  in  an  approved  training  school,  or  liter- 
ary school  providing  such  courses,  the  deaconess  shall  be 
consecrated  to  this  service  by  a  bishop  or  presiding  elder, 
and  receive  a  permanent  license. 


DEACONESSES  69 

Consecration  of  Deaconess. 

Singing.     "Must  Jesus  bear  the  cross  alone?" 

Scripture  reading.     Matt.  25. 

Singing.     "It  may  not  be  on  the  mountain  height?" 

Invocation. 

Address. 

Prayer  of  consecration. 

Singing.     "Take  my  life  and  let  it  be." 

Section  II. 

DEACONESS    HOMES. 

The  Board  of  Bishops  shall  constitute  a  board  of  man- 
agement of  deaconess's  homes,  and  when  a  majority  of  the 
pastors  of  our  Church  in  a  city  or  conference  wish  to 
establish  such  a  home,  they  must  first  submit  their  plans 
to  the  Board  of  Bishops  at  one  of  their  annual  meetings, 
and  if  the  matter  is  approved  by  the  board  it  shall  prepare 
rules  and  regulations  by  which  such  deaconess's  home  shall 
be  founded  and  managed. 

COURSE   OF    STUDY. 

*Buecher  fuer  Gemeinde-Diakonissen  Studien-Kursus. 
{Erstes  Jahr.) 

Die  deutsche  Bibel.      (a)   Altes  Testament,  1  Mose — 2-ten 
Chronika.      (b)   Neues  Testament,   Die  Evangelien. 
Life  of  Christ— Stalker. 

Geschichte  der  weiblichen  Diakonie — Colder. 
Manual  of  Bible   Study — Blakie, 
Deaconesses — Wheeler. 
In  der  Schule  des  Gebets — Murray. 

Buecher  Angeraten  zu  Lesen. 

Des  Christen  Geheimniss  eines  verborgenen  Lebens. — 
H.  W.  Smith. 

Life  of  Christ — Edersheim. 

How  to  Bring  Men  to  Christ — Torrey. 

(Zweitcs  Jahr.) 

Die  deutsche  Bibel.  (a)  Altes  Testament.  Esra — Malaa- 
chi.  (b)  Neues  Testament,  Apostelgeschichte  bis  OfiEb.  Jo- 
hannes. 

Binney's  Compend. 

Heilige  Geschichte — Sulzberger. 


70  DISCIPLINE 

Calwer  Kirchengeschichte. 
Life  of  St.  Paul— Stalker. 
Social  Law  of  Service — Ely. 
Die  Krankeiipflege — Duembling. 

Buecher  Angeraten  zu  Lesen. 
Manual  of  Nursing — Weeks. 
Tongue  of  Fire — Arthur. 

Vereinigte   Bruecler   Kirchengeschichte — Berger. 
Groesserer  Katecbismus — Nast. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

CouESES  OF  Study. 
Section  I. 

QXJAETERLY-CONFERENCE   PREACHERS. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  person  receiving  a  quar- 
terly-conference license  to  preach  to  pursue  the  following 
course  of  study  : 

First  Year. 

English  Grammer — Cody. 

United  Brethren  Handbook — Shuey. 

Word  Study — Cody. 

Leading  Facts  of  American  History — Montgomery. 

Studies  in  the  Four  Gospels — Hurlbut. 

United  Brethren  Discipline. 

Hints  to  Lay  Preachers — Myer. 

Quiet  Talks  on  Prayer — Gordon. 

Books  to  he  Read — 
Life  of  Otterbein — Drury. 

Second  Year. 
General  History — Barnes. 
Composition — Cody. 
Rhetoric — Cody. 

Theological  Compend — Steele's  Binney. 
The  Confession  of  Faith — Weaver. 
Bible  History — Blaikie. 
Handbook  of  Composition — Hart. 
Christ  the  Teacher — Hott. 
Quiet  Talks  on  Power — Gordon. 

Books  to  he  Read — 
Life  of  Edwards — Davis. 

Examinations. 

2.  The  presiding  elder,  or  a  committee  appointed  by  him, 
shall  hold  examinations  each  year  in  the  books  stud- 
led.  A  quarterly-conference  licentiate  is  permitted  to  com- 
plete the  entire  course  in  one  year.     But  should  he  fail  to 

71 


72  DISCIPLINE 

complete  the  course  within  four  years  his  license  shall  not 
be  subject  to  renewal.  He  is  required  to  complete  the 
quarterly-conference  course  of  study  before  being  admitted 
to  the  annual  conference. 

Permanent  License. 

3.  Any  one  completing  the  above  course  of  study  and 
passing  satisfactory  examinations  in  the  same,  may  re- 
ceive a  license  certifying  to  that  fact,  and  not  requiring 
annual  renewal,  so  long  as  his  teaching  is  conformable  to 
the  doctrines  of  Christ,  as  held  by  our  Church,  and  his  de- 
portment is  in  harmony  with  the  requirements  of  our  Dis- 
cipline. 

Section  II. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE  PREACHERS. 

Examinations. 

a 

1.  A  licentiate  preacher  is  to  be  examined  in  the  sub- 
joined course  of  study  by  the  annual  conference  to  which 
he  belongs,  and  shall  have  the  privilege  of  being  examined 
after  the  completion  of  one  or  more  studies  during  the  in- 
terim of  annual  conference,  and  the  examinations  on  the 
studies  shall  be  completed,  if  possible,  before  the  sitting  of 
the  conference.  The  examinations  shall  be  in  writing,  and 
graded  on  a  scale  of  100,  an  average  of  70  being  required. 

2.  To  assist  and  encourage  licentiates  in  their  studies, 
and  also  for  the  purpose  of  securing  greater  uniformity 
and  efficiency  in  the  examinations,  the  following  plan  shall 
be  pursued :  The  faculty  of  Union  Biblical  Seminary  shall 
each  year  prepare  a  list  of  from  fifty  to  two  hundred  ques- 
tions on  each  subject  of  study,  as  the  subject  may  require, 
and  shall  accompany  the  same  with  such  helpful  suggestions 
as  they  may  deem  best.  These  questions  shall  be  printed 
by  the  Publishing  House,  as  are  other  official  papers,  and 
shall  be  distributed  by  the  bishops  at  the  annual  confer- 
ences to  the  licentiates  and  the  examining  committees  at 
the  beginning  of  each  year's  study.  The  committee  on 
course  of  study  shall  select,  without  the  knowledge  of  the 
licentiates,  ten  or  more  of  these  questions  on  each  subject 
for  examination,  the  examination  always  being  conducted 
in  the  presence  of  one  or  more  of  the  examining  commit- 
tee.    Each  licentiate  shall   also   present   a  written   sermon 


COURSES   OF   STUDY  73 

in  connection  with  the  examination  of  each  year ;  and  if 
any  licentiate  is  unable  to  appear  before  his  committee  he 
shall  report  the  cause  of  his  absence. 

First  Year. 

Study  of  the  Bible  by  Books,  New  Testament — Sell. 
New  Acts  of  Apostles — Piereon. 
Art  of  Reading  and  Speaking — Fleming. 
United  Brethren  Church  History,  Part  I. — Berger. 
Homiletics — The  Preacher  and  His  Sermon,  Parts  I.  and 
II.— Etter. 

Manual  of  Discipline — Kephart. 

Books  to  he  Read — 
With  Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer — Murray.  ^^ 

Miracles  of  Missions — Pierson. 
Life  of  Glossbrenner — Drury. 

Second  Year. 

Study  of  the  Bible  by  Books,  Old  Testament— Sell. 
Homiletics — Parts  HI,  IV. — Etter. 

United   Brethren   Church    History,    Parts    II,    III,    IV. — 
Berger. 

Extemporaneous  Preaching — Buckley. 

Jevon's  Logic — Hill. 

Exegetical  Studies — Galatians  and  Gospel  of  John — White. 

Books  ta  he  Read — 
Life  of  Weaver — Thompson. 
Abraham ;  or  the  Obedience  of  Faith — Meyer. 
Autobiography  of  Finney. 

Third  Year. 

Systematic  Theology,  Vol.  I. — Miley. 

Psychology — Hill. 

Pastoral   Theology — Shedd. 

Exegetical  Studies — Exodus,  Hebrews — F.  R.  Weidner. 

Explorations  in  Bible  Lands — Hilprecht. 

Church  History — Fisher. 

Books  to  he  Read — 
Mosiac  Authorship  of  the  Pentateuch — MacDill. 
Systematic  Homiletics — Proudfoot.    • 


74  DISCIPLINE 

Social  Aspects  of  Christianity — Ely. 
The  Spiritual  Life — Murray. 

Fourth  IJear. 

Systemat4c  Theology,  Vol.  11. — Miley. 

Butler's  Analogy — Malcom. 

Ethics — McKenzie. 

New  Testament  Theology — Stevens. 

Apologetics — Kephart. 

Books  to  he  Bead — 
Life  of  Miiller— A.  T.  Pierson. 
Life  of  A.  J.   Gordon — by  his   son. 
Antiquities  of  the  Jews — Josephus. 
History  of  Christian  Doctrine — Sheldon. 
Grounds  of  Theistic  and  Christian  Belief — Fisher. 
History  of  the  Reformation — Fisher. 
Historical  Geography  of  the  Holy  Land — Smith. 
Biblical  Hermeueutics — Terry. 
Political  Economy — Ely. 

Great  Missionaries  of  the  Church — Creegan  and  Good- 
now. 

Note. — The  General  Conference  recommended  that  Dr. 
Schaff's  Christian  Catechism  be  used  by  pastor  as  a  text- 
book in  children's  classes. 


Section  III, 

GERMAN   COURSE  OF  READING. 

Quarterly-Conference  Preachers. 

FIRST  YEAR. 

Doctrines. — The  presence  of  God,  the  personality  of  God, 
the  Trinity,  the  creation,  the  fall  of  man. 

Books. — The  Bible,  Discipline  and  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  "Christlich-Apostolisches  Glaubens-Bekenntniss,"  by 
W.  Nast,  "Chrietologische  Betrachtungen,"  by  W.  Nast. 

SECOND  YEAR. 

Doctrines. — The  corruption  of  mankind,  repentance, 
faith,  justification,  regeneration,  witness  of  the  Spirit, 
sanctification,  possibility  of  falling  from  grace. 


COURSES  OF  STUDY  75 

Books. — The  Bible,  Church  Discipline,  Hare's  "Recht- 
fertigung  durch  den  Glauben,"  D'Aubigue's  ''lieformations- 
Geschichte,"   '"Bekampfung  des   Unglaubens,''   by  Ghristiieb. 

Annual-Conference  Preachers, 

FIRST    YEAR. 

Doctrines. — The  being  and  attributes  of  God,  the  Trinity, 
the  creation,  the  doctrine  of  the  angels,  the  doctrine  of 
mankind,  man  in  the  image  of  God,  the  fall  and  the  cor- 
ruption. 

Books. — The  Bible ;  Church  Discipline ;  Sulzberger's 
"Glaubenslehre" — First  Part ;  Luthardt's  "Apologetische 
v^ortriige" — First  Part ;  Dr.  Joseph  Beck's  "Grundriss  der 
Empirischen  Psychologie" ;  Kurtz's  Text-Book  on  Sacred 
History ;  Berger's  Church  History  of  the  United  Brethren ; 
Nippert's  "Praktische  Theologie" ;  Grammatik,  Heise's 
"Leitfaden — Die  Wortlehre"  ;  written  sermon  on  the  Sab- 
bath. 

SECOND    YEAR. 

Doctrines. — The  doctrines  of  Jesus  Christ,  doctrine  of 
the  personality  and  divinity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  doctrine  of 
the  salvation  of  man,  conviction,  repentance,  faith,  justifi- 
cation, regeneration,  sanctification,  possibility  of  falling 
from   grace. 

Books. — The  Bible ;  Church  Discipline ;  Sulzberger's 
"Glaubenslehre" — Second  Part ;  Luthardt's  "Apologetische 
Vortrage" — Second  Part ;  Weber's  "Einleitung  in  die  Heili- 
gen  Schriften" ;  "Das  Christliche  Heilsleben,"  by  F.  F. 
Paulus ;  Bishop  Hurst's  Church  History ;  Dittmar's  "Welt- 
Geschichte" — First  Part ;  Grammatik,  Heise's  "Leitfaden 
— Die  Satzlehre"  f  vs^ritten  sermon  on  repentance  and  faith. 

THIRD    YEAR. 

Doctrines. — The  sacraments — baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  the  resurrection  of  the 
body,  the  future  general  judgment,  everlasting  rewards, 
and  everlasting  punishment. 

Books. — The  Bible :  Church  Discipline ;  Sulzberger's 
"Glaubenslehre" — Third  Part  :  the  Immortality  of  the  Soul, 
by  F.  L.  Nagler ;  D  Aubigne's  "Reformations-Geschichte" ; 
H.     Dittmar's     "Welt-Geschicte" — Second     Part;     Heise's 


76  DISCIPLINE 

Grammatik — Wiederholung  ;    W.    Sommer's    "Aufsatzlehre"  ; 
written  sermon  on  baptism. 

BOOKS   EECOMMENDED. 

Jellinghaus's  "Das  Vollige  Heil,"  and  C.  H.  Spurgeon's 
"Winke  fiir  Prediger,"  oder  23  Vorlesungen. 

Section  IV. 

COMPLETING   THE   COURSE. 

1.  Each  licentiate  is  expected  to  complete  the  pre- 
scribed course  within  four  years,  unless  good  reasons  exist 
for  delay. 

2.  Should  any  licentiate  fail  to  complete  the  course 
within  five  years,  he  may  be  referred  to  his  quarterly  con- 
ference. 

Seminary  Graduates. 

3.  Any  licentiate  who  has  completed  the  full  course  of 
study  in  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  and  has  passed  the 
examinations  entitling  him  to  a  diploma  from  that  institu- 
tion, may  be  excused  from  examinations  in  the  annual-con- 
ference course  of  study. 

Section  V. 

PEEPARATION   FOR   THE   MINISTRY. 

We  urge  upon  all  who  contemplate  giving  themselves 
to  the  gospel  ministry  the  vital  importance  of  completing 
a  course  of  study  in  some  one  of  our  institutions  of  learn- 
ing, and,  in  addition,  a  course  in  Union  Biblical  Seminary. 
In  exceptional  cases,  wherein  circumstances  absolutely 
forbid  such  preparation,  there  should  be  the  utmost  dili- 
gence given  to  well-advised  reading  and  study  in  order  to 
successful  work  in  the  ministry.  "Study  to  shew  thy- 
self approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to 
be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth.'' 


CHAPTER  X. 

Appeajls. 

Section  I. 

FROM   THE   DECISION   OF   A   CLASS. 

Should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  with  the  decision 
of  a  church  or  class,  or  committee  of  a  church  or  class,  an 
appeal  may  be  had  to  the  next  quarterly  conference  by 
giving  notice  thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge,  or  the 
secretary  of  the  trial,  within  thirty  days  after  said  trial, 
together  with  the  reasons  for  such  appeal ;  and  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  furnish  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence with  a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  the  trial 
and  of  the  notice  of  the  appeal. 

Section  II. 

FROM   THE  DECISION   OF  A    QUARTERLY   CONFERENCE. 

Any  member  of  a  quarterly  conference  dissatisfied  with 
the  decision  thereof,  may  appeal  to  the  ensuing  annual  con- 
ference, within  thirty  days  after  the  quarterly  conference, 
by  giving  notice  to  the  secretary,  in  writing,  of  his  inten- 
tion to  appeal,  together  with  his  reasons  for  so  doing ;  and 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  furnish  a  certified 
copy  of  the  proceedings,  the  notification,  and  the  reasons 
assigned,  to  the  annual  conference. 

Section  III. 

COURT    OF    APPEALS. 

1.  Any  member  of  an  annual  conference,  when  dis- 
satisfied with  the  decision  thereof,  shall  have  a  right  to 
appeal  to  a  judicial  court,  which  shall  be  constituted  and 
governed  as  hereinafter  stated. 

2.  Each   annual   conference,   at   the   first  session   subse- 

77 


78  DISCIPLINE 

quent  to  the  session  of  the  General  Conference,  shall  elect 
by  ballot  two  members  of  the  court,  who  shall  hold  office 
for  four  consecutive  years. 

3.  In  case  of  an  appeal  from  an  annual  conference  in 
form  and  manner  hereinafter  set  forth,  the  presiding  bishop 
of  said  conference  shall,  at  such  time  and  place  as  he  may 
determine,  call  together  seven  of  the  members  of  the  court 
most  accessible  to  the  conference  from  which  the  appeal  is 
taken,  who,  thus  called  together,  shall  constitute  an  appellate 
court  to  hear  and  determine  said  appeal. 

4.  This  court  shall  organize  by  electing  a  chairman  and 
some  competent  person  as  secretary. 

5.  The  secretary  shall  receive  and  hold  all  papers  and 
records  pertaining  to  said  appeal,  subject  to  the  order  of 
the  chairman  ;  keep  a  true  record  of  all  proceedings  of  said 
court,  and  certify  the  decision  thereof  to  the  annual  con- 
ference from  which  the  appeal  is  taken,  and  also  to  the  ap- 
pellant. 

6.  Five  of  these  members  shall  be  necessary  to  consti- 
tute a  quorum,  and  four  must  agree  on  a  verdict.  The 
court  may  affirm  or  reverse  the  finding  and  decision  of  the 
annual  conference,  or  affirm  in  part  and  reverse  in  part ; 
but  it  shall  not  reverse  the  same,  nor  remand  the  case  for 
a  new  trial  on  account  of  errors  plainly  not  affecting  the 
result. 

7.  The  decision  of  this  court  shall  in  all  cases  be  final, 
except  when  the  objections  are  taken  on  the  ground  that 
the  proceedings  were  irregular  in  the  application  of  law, 
and  said  objections  are  entered  before  the  verdict  of  the 
court  is  announced.  In  case  of  appeal  from  the  court  under 
this  clause,  the  appellant  must  give  notice  within  thirty 
daj-s  to  the  secretary  of  the  court,  who  shall  send  a  copy 
of  all  proceedings  in  said  case  to  the  General  Conference. 

8.  In  case  of  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  an  annual 
conference,  the  appellant  must  give  written  notice  to  the 
secretary  of  said  conference  within  thirty  days  after  the 
adjournment  thereof,  setting  forth  both  his  intention  to 
appeal  and  the  reasons  for  so  doing. 

9.  On  receipt  of  a  notice  of  appeal,  the  secretary  of  the 
conference  shall  immediately  notify  the  presiding  bishop, 
and,  on  notice  from  said  bishop,  transmit  a  copy  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  conference  in  said  case  to  said  court. 

10.  The  necessary  expenses  incurred  in  the  assembling  of 


APPEALS  753 

said  court  shall  be  paid  by  the  appellant,  if  the  appeal  is 
not  sustained ;  if  the  appeal  is  sustained,  the  annual  con- 
ference in  which  the  appeal  is  made  shall  paj'  the  expenses, 
and  the  appellant  shall,  in  all  cases,  at  the  time  the  notice 
of  appeal  is  given,  deposit  with  the  secretary  of  said  an- 
nual conference  security  for  the  payment  of  said  expenses, 
in  an  amount  fixed  l&y  said  secretary. 


PART  III. 
Moral  Reform. 
chapter  xi. 

Special  Rules. 
Section  I. 

TEMPERANCE. 

Intoxicating   Drinks. 

1.  The  distilling,  veuding,  and  using  of  intoxicating 
drinks  as  a  beverage,  the  renting  and  leasing  of  property 
to  be  used  for  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  such  drinks,  also 
the  signing  of  petitions  for  granting  license,  or  the  enter- 
ing as  bondsmen  for  i^ersons  engaged  in  the  traffic  in  in- 
toxicating drinks,  are  strictly  prohibited ;  and  should  any 
of  our  members  be  found  guilty  in  these  respects,  they  shall 
be  dealt  with  as  in  the  case  of  other  immoralities ;  this 
rule,  however,  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  prevent  drug- 
gists and  others  from  the  vending  and  using  of  alcohol  for 
medicinal  or  mechanical  purposes. 

Temperance   Commission. 

2.  There  shall  be  a  permanent  temperance  commission, 
consisting  of  one  minister  and  one  layman  from  each  bishop's 
district,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Board  of  Bishops.  The  du- 
ties of  this  commission  shall  be:  To  keep  in  close  touch 
with  similar  organizations  in  other  churches ;  to  appoint  or 
to  authorize  the  appointmeut  of  delegates  to  local  or  na- 
tional bodies ;  to  collect  funds  for  the  expenses  of  corre- 
spondence and  suitable  literature. 

Temperance  Day. 

3.  The  'first  Sabbath  in  October  of  each  year  shall  be 
observed  as  Temperance  Day. 

Tohacco. 

4.  We  believe  that  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  form  is 
injurious  to  body,  mind  and  moral  nature,  and  a  needless 
waste  of  money  which  could  and  should  be  otherwise  applied  ; 
and  we  kindly  advise  all  our  members  to  abstain  from  its 

use. 

80 


MORAL   REFORM  81 

Section  II. 

SABBATH    OBSERVANCE. 

The  Sabbath  day  being  ordained  of  God  as  a  day  of 
physical  rest  and  of  spiritual  improvement,  and  as  the 
perpetuity  of  our  civil  and  religious  institutions  demands 
its  proper  observance,  therefore,  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  in  view  of  the  growing  tendencTy,  as  seen 
in  the  open  saloon,  the  beer-garden,  the  base-ball  games,  the 
social  dance,  excursion  trains,  unnecessary'  labor,  the  increas- 
ingly prevalent  apathy  of  the  masses  to  an  attendance  upon 
the  public  service  of  the  church,  and  a  disregard  of  God's 
command  to  "rememljer  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy," 
earnestly  counsels  all  its  members  to  abstain  from  every- 
thing that  does  not  contribute  in  the  highest  degree  to  their 
spiritual  growth  ;  and  we  advise  our  ministers  and  general 
officers  of  the  Church  to  be  examples  to  the  flock  over  v/hich 
the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  them  overseers. 


Section  III. 

SLAVERY. 

All  slavery,  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  is  totally  pro- 
hibited, and  shall  in  no  way  be  tolerated  in  our  Church.^ 

Section  IV. 

SECRET   combinations. 

1.  A  secret  combination  is  a  secret  league  or  confeder- 
ation of  persons  holding  principles  and  laws  at  variance 
with  the  Word  of  God  and  injurious  to  Christian  character, 
as  evidenced  in  individual  life,  and  infringing  upon  the  nat- 
ural, social,  political,  or  religious  rights  of  those  outside 
its  pale. 

2.  Any  member  or  minister  of  our  Church  found  in  con- 
nection with  such  combination  shall  be  dealt  with  as  in 
other  cases  of  disobedience  to  the  order  and  discipline  of 
the  Church  ;  in  case  of  members,  as  found  in  Chapter  lY., 
Section  III.,  page  25,  and  in  case  of  ministers,  as  found  in 
Chapter  VI.,  Section  IX.,  page  57. 

*This  law,  in  its  essentipJ  character,  was  adopted  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  in  1821,  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Zeller  presiding. 


82  DISCIPLINE 

Section  V. 

OATHS. 

We  believe  that  tlie  mode  of  testifying  to  tlie  truth  when 
required  so  to  do  in  a  legal  form,  by  way  of  affirmation,  is 
on  us  solemnly,  conscientiously,  and  fully  binding,  before 
God,  to  tell  the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the 
truth. 

Section  VI. 

WAR. 

We  most  positively  record  our  disapproval  of  engaging 
in  voluntary  national  aggressive  warfare ;  yet  we  recog- 
nize the  rightful  authority  of  the  civil  government,  and 
hold  it  responsible  for  the  preservation  and  defense  of  our 
national  compact,  against  treason  or  invasion  by  any  bellig- 
erent force,  and  we  believe  it  to  be  entirely  consistent  with 
the  spirit  of  Christianity  to  bear  arms  when  called  upon  to 
do  so  by  the  properly  constituted  authorities  of  our  gov- 
ernment for  its  preservation  and  defense. 

Section  VII. 

THE  MARRIAGE  RELATION. 

1.  We  believe  that  the  marriage  relation  is  of  divine 
authority ;  that  it  is  the  mutual  union  of  one  man  and 
one  woman ;  that  the  obligation  is  most  sacred,  and  morally 
binding  as  long  as  both  shall  live,  and  therefore  cannot  be 
dissolved  at  will,  nor  should  it  be  by  a  decree  of  a  civil 
tribunal,  except  on  evidence  that  one  party  is  guilty  of 
adultery. 

2.  On  positive  evidence  of  such  guilt  the  innocent  party 
is  freed  from  further  matrimonial  obligations  and  justly 
entitled  to  a  divorce. 

3.  We  deny  the  right  of  marriage  by  virtue  of  a  divorce 
obtained  for  other  causes  than  adultery  on  the  part  of  the 
person  from  whom  the  divorce  is  obtained,  and  therefore 
the  right  of  the  guilty  party  to  remarry. 

4.  Any  person  sustaining  a  marriage  relation  contrary 
to  that  above  recognized  as  justifiable  shall  be  ineligible  to 
the  office  of  the  ministry  in  this  Church. 

5.  No  minister  of  this  Church  shall  knowingly  solemnize 
the  marriage  of  two  persons,  either  of  whom  has  been  di- 
vorced for  other  than  the  above  justifiable  cause,  and  shall 
be  amenable  to  the  Cliurch  for  disobedience  to  the  order 
thereof. 


PART  IV. 
Property, 
chapter  xii. 

Church-Houses  and  Parsonages. 

Electing  Trustees. 

1.  Whenever  it  is  contemplated  to  purchase  or  build  a 
cliurch-house  or  parsonage,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  any 
member  to  make  it  known  to  the  quarterly  conference  of 
the  circuit  or  station  to  which  he  belongs.  The  quarterly 
conference  shall  then  elect  a  l)oard  of  trustees  of  not  less 
than  three  persons,  or  as  the  law  of  the  State  may  require ; 
provided,  however,  that  at  least  a  majority  of  said  board 
shall  be  members  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ.  The  trustees  shall  hold  their  office  during  the  pleas- 
ure of  the  quarterly  conference. 

Vacancies. 

2.  When  vacancies  occur  in  a  board  of  trustees  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  quarterly  conference  to  elect  suitable 
persons  to  fill  such  vacancies,  and  the  secretary  of  the  board 
of  trustees  shall  see  that  the  records  of  the  county  wherein 
such  board  may  reside  shall  correspond  with  the  facts  in  the 
case  according  as  the  law  of  the  State  may  require,  after 
such  vacancies  have  been  filled. 

Duties  of  Trustees. 

3.  The  trustees  shall  meet  annually,  and  shall  organize. 
if  a  new,  or  reorganize  if  an  old  board,  by  electing  from  their 
number  the  following  officers ;  namel3%  a  president,  secretary, 
and  treasurer.  Special  meetings  maj'  be  called  by  the  presi- 
dent or  by  a  majority  of  the  members  of  the  board. 

4.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record  of  all  busi- 
ness transactions  of  the  board  in  a  book  provided  for  that 

83 


84  DISCIPLINE 

purpose,  which  shall  at  all  times  be  open  for  the  inspection 
of  the  official  board  and  the  quarterly  conference,  as  well 
as  of  the  board  of  trustees. 

5.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  board  for 
church-house,  cemetery,  or  parsonage  purposes,  and  pay 
out  the  same  under  the  direction  of  the  board,  on  regularly 
drawn  oixlers  signed  by  the  president  and  secretary,  and 
report  the  financial  condition  at  their  several  meetings,  and 
to  the  quarterly  conference  at  least  once  each  year. 

6.  ^o  board  of  trustees  shall  begin  the  building  of  a 
church-house  or  parsonage  without  first  submitting  their 
plans  and  estimates  of  lot,  or  lots,  and  building,  to  the 
official  board  or  quarterly  conference  for  consideration, 
approval,  and  directions.  Nor  shall  they  proceed  to  buy 
or  build  without  first  procuring  an  incorporation  of  their 
board,  such  as  the  State  requires,  nor  without  securing 
and  recording  a  warranty  deed,  the  blank  form  prepared  by 
the  Church-Erection  Society,  to  themselves  and  their  success- 
ors in  office  for  the  real  estate  which  they  purchase,  nor  until 
they  have  the  necessary  means  either  in  hand  or  suffi- 
ciently assured,  thus  securing  harmony  of  action  and  avoid- 
ing the  encumbering  of  our  houses  of  worship  and  par- 
sonages with  embarrassing  debts. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  trustees  to  take 
charge  of  all  the  church  property,  employ  janitors,  fur- 
nish light  and  fuel,  keep  the  property  insured,  and  look  care- 
fully after  other  wants  from  time  to  time. 

8.  For  the  raising  of  funds  for  extraordinary  expenses, 
such  as  building  churches,  or  making  extensive  repairs,  or 
paying  large  debts,  the  trustees  may  devise  such  measures 
as  may  be  deemed  best,  and  report  the  same  to  the  official 
board  or  quarterly  conference  for  approval  and  cooperation. 

Sale  and  Rent  of  Church-Houses  and  Parsonages. 

9.  The  quarterly  conference  may  authorize  the  board  of 
trustees  to  lease,  rent,  or  sell  church  or  parsonage  prop- 
erty within  its  jurisdiction ;  provided,  however,  that  said 
proceeds  shall  be  used  in  purchasing,  repairing,  or  build- 
ing new  church  or  parsonage  property  within  its  bounds, 
except  the  interest  or  rents  accruing  from  parsonage  prop- 
erty, which  may  be  applied  to  pay  rent  on  the  house  'occu- 
pied by  the  pastor.  Provided  further,  that  no  church-house 
shall   be  sold   that   would   result   in   the   discontinuation   or 


CIIUUC IT-HOUSES    AND   PARSONAGES  85 

disorganization  of  a  class,  without  the  consent  of  the  an- 
nual conference  witliin  the  bounds  of  which  said  property 
is  located. 

Conditions  of  Mortgages  and  Liens. 

10.  No  board  of  trustees  shall  have  power  to  mortgage 
or  to  place  a  lien  of  any  kind  on  real  estate  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  except  for  the  purchase  of  such  real 
estate,  or  the  erection  of  necessary  buildings,  or  for  repair- 
ing, or  otherwise  improving  the  same. 

Abandoned  Church-Houses. 

11.  When  a  house  of  worship  outside  of  the  jurisdiction 
of  any  quarterly  conference  ceases  to  be  used  by  our  own 
people  for  preaching  or  other  religious  purposes,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district  in  which 
such  house  is  located  to  report  to  the  annual  conference, 
which  body  shall  have  power  to  appoint  a  board  of  trus- 
tees, who  shall  rent,  lease,  or  sell  such  house  of  worship, 
as  they  deem  advisable,  and  report  their  proceedings  to  the 
annual  conference,  which  body  shall  have  power  to  use 
the  proceeds  to  pay  debts  on  other  houses  of  worship,  build 
new  houses,  or  turn  the  money  into  the  funds  of  the 
Church-Erection  Society,  as  may  seem  proper,  at  its  own 
discretion ;  provided,  that  in  no  case  shall  a  church-house 
and  its  premises  be  sold  without  the  consent  of  the  annual 
conference  within  whose  bounds  it  is  located. 

Abandoned  Parsonages. 

12.  Should  any  parsonage  be  permanently  abandoned  as 
such,  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district  in  which  such  par- 
sonage is  located  shall  report  the  same  to  the  annual  con- 
ference, which  body  shall  have  power  to  appoint  a  board  of 
trustees,  who  shall  rent  or  sell  such  parsonage,  and  pay  over 
the  proceeds  to  the  annual  conference,  which  body  shall  ex- 
pend the  same  in  paying  debts  on  other  parsonages,  or  in 
building  new  ones  within  its  borders. 

Transfer  of  Churches. 

13.  When  a  lot  is  deeded  to  an  English  United  Breth- 
ren church,  or  to  a  German  United  Brethren  church,  and 
one  or  the  other  ceases  to  exist  in  an  organized  form,  by 
deaths,    removals,    expulsions,     or    otherwise,    or    when   a 


86 


DISCIPLINE 


majority  of  the  members  of  said  church  shall  decide  to 
change  either  from  the  German  to  the  English,  or  vice 
versa,  then  the  church  remaining  shall  have  full  right  to 
make  such  improvements  or  repairs  on  said  lot  as  may 
be  desirable  for  the  purposes  of  worship,  and  shall  be  en- 
titled to  peaceable  possession. 

Division  of  Interest. 

14.  In  cases  vs^here  fields  of  labor  having  parsonages 
upon  them  are  divided,  the  disposition  of  said  parsonages 
shall  be  submitted  to  a  board  of  arbiters,  consisting  of 
three  members  of  the  Church,  one  to  be  chosen  by  each 
quarterly  conference,  and  the  third  by  these  tw©,  to 
v^hom  the  whole  matter  shall  be  referred,  their  decision 
of  the  case  being  final.  In  cases  where  more  than  two 
quarterly  conferences  are  interested,  the  same  plan  shall  be 
pursued.  In  case  this  plan  fail,  the  quarterly  conferences 
shall  instruct  the  presiding  elder  to  appoint  a  committee  of 
three  persons,  all  members  of  our  Church,  but  none  of 
them  residents  or  members  of  either  of  the  fields  aflcected, 
and  their  decision  shall  be  final. 

Real  Estate. 

15.  Real  estate  held  for  church  or  parsonage  purposes 
shall  be  subject  to  the  same  regulations  as  houses  of  wor- 
ship and  parsonages. 

Conference  or  District  Property. 

16.  Where  there  is  no  provision  by  the  laws  of  the 
State  for  the  incorporation  of  religious  organizations,  and 
there  is  property  that  belongs  to  a  district  or  confer- 
ence, such  as  parsonages  for  the  use  of  bishops  or  presid- 
ing elders,  a  conference  or  conferences  may  elect  a  board 
of  trustees,  who  shall  be  members  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  reside  within  the  district 
or  conference,  who  shall  have  the  right  to  receive  deeds  to 
property  and  power  to  lease,  rent,  or  sell  the  same. 

17.  Any  quarterly  conference  that  has  appointed  trus- 
tees for  a  bishop's  parsonage  shall  fill  all  vacancies  under 
the  direction  of  the  cooperating  conferences. 

Church  Plans. 

18.  The  Church-Erection  Society  shall  provide  plans 
and  specifications  for  church  houses,  which  shall  be  sup- 
plied to  trustees  who  apply,  at  cost. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Board  of  Church  Teustees. 

Section  1.  Be  it  ordained  hy  the  General  Conference 
of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  That  there 
shall  be  located  iu  Dayton,  Ohio,  an  incorporated  Board 
ot"  Trustees  for  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  consisting  of  twelve  members,  a  majority  of  whom 
shall  be  citizens  of  Ohio,  elected  by  the  General  Conference 
of  said  Church  for  a  term  of  four  years,  or  until  their  suc- 
cessors are  so  elected.  Said  board  shall  be  known  as  "The 
Trustees  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ." 

Sec.  2.  The  organization  of  this  board  shall  be  effected 
by  the  election  of  a  president,  secretary,  and  treasurer.  It 
shall  meet  on  the  call  of  the  president  annually,  or  when- 
ever the  president  and  secretary  may  determine.  The 
board  may  elect  an  executive  committee  with  authority  to 
transact  any  necessary  business  in  the  interim  of  the 
board's  sessions,  subject  to  the  appfroval  of  the  board. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  to  receive, 
hold  in  trust,  or  apply,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  any  and  all  funds,  dona- 
tions, grants,  and  bequests  that  may  be  given,  directed, 
or  conveyed  to  such  board  or  Church  as  such,  for  any  be- 
nevolent purpose  whatever.  All  such  funds  and  the  pro- 
ceeds thereof  shall  be  applied  in  harmony  with  the  specified 
purpose  of  the  donors,  or,  in  the  absence  of  such  specifica- 
tions, as  the  board  may  determine. 

Sec.  4.  The  board  shall  report  quadrennially  to  the 
General  Conference  of  said  Church  all  funds  and  property 
received  for  the  Church  and  the  disposition  made  of 
the  same,  and  shall  he  answerable  to,  and  under  the  direc- 
tion of,  said  General  Conference. 

Sec.  5,  The  board,  at  its  first  regular  meeting  of  each 
quadrennium,  shall  organize  by  electing  a  president,  secre- 
tary, and  treasurer,  and  shall  reorganize  thereafter  annually. 

87 


PART  V. 

Institutions  for  Christian  Instruction  and 
Training. 

chapter  xiv. 

Sunday  Schools. 

In  order  to  secure  a  general  and  systematic  study  of  tbo 
Bible  and  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  Sunday 
schools  shall  be  organized  wherever  practicable.  They  shall 
be  organized  and  conducted  in  harmony  with  the  provisions 
following  in  this  chapter. 

The  general  interests  of  the  Sunday-school  work  shall  be 
committed  to  a  Sunday-school  board  which  shall  be  gov- 
erned by  the  following  constitution : 

Section  I. 

THE  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  BOARD. 

Article  I. 

NAME. 

This  organization  shall  be  known  as  the  General  Sunday- 
School  Board  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ. 

Article  II. 

OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  board  shall  be  to  promote  the  study  of 
the  Word  of  God  and  the  saving  and  blessing  of  mankind. 

Article  III. 

MEMBERS  AND  OFFICERS. 

The  board  shall  be  composed  of  five  members,  who  shall 
be  elected  by  the  General  Conference  for  a  term  of  four 
years,  with  the  bishops  of  the  church,  editors  of  Sunday- 
school  literature,  the  Sunday-School  General  Secretary,  the 

86 


SUNDAY    SCHOOLS  89 

secretaries  of  the  missionary  societies,  secretary  of  Churcli- 
Erectiou  Society,  the  Agent  of  the  Publishing  House,  the 
General  Church  Treasurer,  and  the  president  of  the  Y.  P. 
C.  U.  as  members  ex  officio.  A  majority  of  the  members 
of  the  board  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Article  IV. 

MEETINGS. 

1.  The  board  shall  be  convened  by  the  call  of  the  general 
secretary  within  thirty  days  after  their  election,  and  shall 
elect  from  their  own  number  a  recording  secretary,  who 
shall  be  a  resident  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  or  vicinity.  The  General 
Church  Treasurer  shall  act  as  treasurer  of  the  board. 

2.  The  board  shall  meet  annually  in  the  month  of  April 
or  May,  on  such  day  or  days  as  it  may  determine.  Other 
meetings  may  be  held  on  the  call  of  the  general  secretary. 
The  members  present  at  any  meeting  shall  constitute  a 
quorum.    The  fiscal  year  of  the  board  shall  close  March  31. 

Article  V. 

DUTIES   AND   POWERS. 

1.  This  board  shall  have  charge  of  the  general  Sunday- 
school  interests  of  the  Church,  and  in  carrying  forward  its 
work  it  may  adopt  such  rules  and  take  such  action  as,  in  its 
judgment,  the  interests  committed  to  it  may  demand ;  pro- 
vided, that  nothing  shall  be  done  out  of  harmony  with  the 
Discipline  of  the  Churcb. 

2.  The  board  shall  each  year,  at  its  annual  meeting, 
place  an  assessment  of  at  least  three  cents  per  member  upon 
the  several  annual  conferences. 

3.  It  shall  make  provisions  for  the  general  observance  of 
Children's  Day  on  the  first  Sunday  in  .Tune,  and  shall  re- 
ceive the  freewill  offerings  made  on  that  day, 

4.  It  shall  have  full  authority  to  fill  vacancies  in  its 
membership  between  the  sittings  of  the  General  Conference, 
and  shall  publish  an  annual  report  of  its  work. 

5.  A  committee  shall  be  appointed  annually,  which  shall 
audit  the  general  secretary's  and  treasurer's  accounts. 

6.  The  general  secretary,  recording  secretary,  and  the 
editors  of  the  Sunday-school  literature,  together  with  two 
other  members  elected  for  that  purpose,  shall  constitute  an 
executive  committee  to  act  in  the  interval  of  the  board 
meetings.  This  committee  shall  meet  monthly,  but  shall  not 
transact  new  business. 


90  DISCIPLINE 

7.  The  board  shall  define  fully  the  work  and  duties  of  the 
general  secretarj'  and  other  employees,  and  arrange  for  sala- 
ries not  otherwise  provided. 

Article  YI. 

USE  OF  FUNDS. 

1.  The  funds  of  this  board  shall  be  used  to  assist  in  es- 
tablishing and  maintaining  Sunday  schools  in  home  and 
foreign  fields,  and  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  board 
in  forwarding  the  work  for  which  it  was  organized ;  pro- 
vided, that  the  principal  of  whatever  permanent  funds  are 
created  shall  be  carefully  invested  and  only  the  income  there- 
from be  expended. 

2.  All  applications  for  assistance  shall  be  made  through 
the  general  secretary,  and  shall  be  considered  by  a  local 
committee  or  sub-committee  thereof.  Appropriations  shall 
be  made  only  to  Sunday  schools  that  are  conducted  in  har- 
mony with  the  disciplinary  provisions  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  or  to  schools  giving  satisfactory  evidence  that  they 
will  soon  become  such. 

3.  The  president  and  recording  secretary  shall  sign  all 
orders  issued  on  the  treasurer  for  funds. 

Article  VII. 

DUTIES    OF    OFFICERS. 

1.  The  president  shall  have  the  operations  of  the  board 
under  his  care ;  he  shall  preside  at  its  meetings,  make  such 
recommendations  as  he  may  consider  proper,  and  call  special 
meetings  of  the  board  when  in  his  judgment,  and  that  of  the 
executive  committee  it  is  necessary. 

2.  The  recording  secretary  shall  issue  the  calls  for  the 
meetings  of  the  board  and  keep  a  correct  report  of  its  busi- 
ness transactions  in  a  book  provided  for  the  purpose. 

3.  The  treasurer  shall  have  charge,  and  hold  in  trust, 
the  funds  of  the  board. 

Section  II. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    RELATIONS    AND    DUTIES. 

1.  Each  annual  conference  shall  elect  annually  a  con- 
ference Sunday-school  secretary,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
collect  statistics  of  the  Sunday  schools  of  the  conference 
upon  blanks  furnished  him  by  the  general  secretary  of  the 


SUNDAY   SCHOOLS  91 

Sunday-School  Board,  and  transmit  an  abstract  of  same  to 
the  general  secretarj^ ;  to  represent  the  interests  of  the  Sun- 
day-School Board  before  the  annual  conference ;  to  hold,  at 
a  convenient  time  during  the  conference  session,  a  Sunday- 
school  anniversary  for  the  benefit  of  the  Sunday-school 
cause.  The  necessary  incidental  expense  of  the  secretary 
shall  be  paid  by  the  General  Sunday-School  Board. 

Pastor\s  Duties. 
2.  The  pastor  shall  have  general  supervision  of  all  the 
Sunday  schools  on  his  charge.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  be 
present  at  all  sessions  of  the  Sunday  school  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable ;  to  preside  at  all  business  meetings  when  present, 
and  at  all  meetings  for  the  organization  of  Sabbath  schools. 
He  shall  organize  a  Sunday  school  at  each  appointment  on 
his  charge,  where  there  is  not  one  already  ;  he  shall  preach 
on  the  subject  at  each  appointment  at  least  once  a  year ; 
he  shall  report  to  hie  conference  the  number  of  schools,  the 
number  of  officers  and  teachers  employed,  the  number  of 
scholars  enrolled,  including  members  of  the  Home  Depart- 
ment and  Cradle  Roll,  the  number  of  conversions  among  the 
scholars,  and  the  amount  of  money  collected  for  the  use  of 
schools,  for  the  general  fund,  for  missions,  and  for  any 
other  purpose. 

Section  III. 

ORGANIZATION  OF  NEW   SUNDAY   SCHOOLS. 

In  organizing  a  new  school  the  pastor  shall  pursue  such 
plan  as  he  may  think  advisable  to  secure  a  superintendent, 
secretary,  and  treasurer.  It  is  desirable  that,  if  possible, 
such  officers  should  be  active  Christians  and  members  of  our 
Church.  They  shall  hold  office  for  one  year,  and  shall  per- 
form the  duties  which  usually  pertain  to  such  offices. 

Section  IV. 
Constitution   for  a  Sundaw^cliool. 
It  is  recommended  that  all  the  Sunday-schools  adopt  the 
following  constitution ;  provided,  that  any  school  may  have 
the  privilege  of  enacting  such  by-laws  for  its  better  regula- 
tion as  will  not  conflict  with  the  constitution. 

Article  I. 

This  school  shall  be  known  as  the  United  Brethren  Sunday 
School  of . 


92  DISCIPLINE 

Article  II. 

The  object  of  the  school  shall  be  to  gather  in  all,  both  old 

and  young,  as  far  as  possible,  for  instruction  in,  and   the 

study  of  the  Bible,  and  to  promote  the  worship  of  God, 
and  to  secure  the  salvation  of  souls. 

Article  III. 

1.  The  officers  shall  be  the  pastor,  a  superintendent,  a 
secretary,  a  treasurer,  a  librarian,  and,  when  desired  by  the 
school,  a  chorister  and  organist.  The  duties  of  these  officers 
shall  be  such  as  usually  pertain  to  such  offices ;  and  when- 
ever it  is  deemed  necessary  for  the  interests  of  the  school, 
an  assistant  may  be  elected  in  each  of  these  offices ;  all  ci* 
whom  shall  be  subject  in  their  official  duties  to  their  superior 
officers,  except  in  the  absence  of  such  superiors. 

2.  There  shall  also  be  an  executive  committee  of  three  or 
five,  chosen  by  the  school.  The  pastor  and  superintenden-e 
shall  be  members  ex  officio;  and  a  majority  shall  be  members 

of   the  United   Brethren   Church   at  ,  whose   duty   it 

shall  be  to  select  and  order  a  suitable  amount  of  our  own 
literature  and  helps  for  the  school  from  time  to  time,  ana 
look  after  the  general  interests  of  the  school. 

3.  The  executive  committee,  in  conjunction  with  the 
teachers  of  school,  may  at  least  one  week  prior  to  the  time 
of  the  annual  election,  nominate  suitable  persons,  candidates 
for  each  of  the  various  offices  of  the  school ;  provided  that, 
on  stations,  if  desirable  to  the  pastor,  the  election  of  the 
superintendent  may  be  by  the  official  board, 

4.  All  elections  in  schools  shall  be  by  ballot,  only  en- 
rolled members  over  twelve  years  of  age  voting. 

5.  The  superintendent,  when  at  all  possible,  shall  be  a 
member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  in  good  and  regular 
standing.  He,  with  the  approval  of  the  pastor,  shall  ap- 
point the  teachers. 

G.  The  pastor  of  the  church  shall  preside  at  each  annual 
election,  whenever  practicable,  and  the  superintendent  or 
pastor  shall  preside  at  all  special  elections. 

Article  IV. 

Vacancies  for  unexpired  terms  shall  be  filled  in  the  same 
manner  and  form  as  above  provided  for  annual  reorganisa- 
tion. 


SUNDAY    SCHOOLS  93 

Article  V. 

SUNDAY   SCHOOLS   AND  THE   MISSIONARY  WORK. 

Each  of  our  Sunday  schools  is  hereby  constituted  an 
auxiliary  to  the  branch  missionary  society  within  whose  limits 
it  is  located ;  and  the  superintendent  is  expected  to  receive 
the  offering  at  last  once  each  quarter,  for  the  cause  of  mis- 
sions,  and  report  the  amount  to  the  pastor.  Any  member 
of  the  Sunday  school  may  become  a  life  member  of  the 
auxiliary  by  the  payment  of  three  dollars,  and  shall  be  en- 
titled to  a  certificate  of  life  membership. 


CHAPTER  XV. 
Young  People's  Christian  Union. 
Section  I. 
organization. 

1.  The  Young  People's  Christian  Union  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ  shall  consist  of  the  Young  People's  so- 
cieties organized  as  provided  in  its  constitution.  It  shall  be 
under  the  direction  of  an  executive  council. 

2.  The  executive  council  shall  consist  of  seven  mem- 
bers, including  the  president  and  corresponding  secretary 
of  the  Young  People's  Christian  Union.  Of  the  five  mem- 
bers to  be  elected,  three  shall  be  chosen  by  the  General 
Conference  and  two  by  the  Young  People's  Christian  Union. 
The  executive  council  shall  make  a  quadrennial  report  to 
the   General    Conference. 

3.  The  president  of  the  local  Young  People's  society, 
and  the  superintendents  of  the  Intermediate  and  Junior 
societies,  shall  be  members  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  and  shall  be  members  of  the  quarterly 
conference  of  the  charge  to  ,which  the  societies  belong,  and 
shall  make  a  vs^ritten  report  to  each  session  of  the  quarterly 
conference. 

4.  The  organ  of  the  Young  People's  Christian  Union 
shall  be  the  WatcJitvord,  published  under  the  direction  of 
the  trustees  and  Agent  of  the  Publishing  House,  the 
editor  of  which  shall  be  chosen  by  the  General  Confer- 
ence. This  paper  shall  be  devoted  to  the  work  of  the 
Young  People's  Christian  Union.  In  directing  the  plan 
and  poT.y  of  this  paper  the  executive  council  shall  advise 
and  assist.  The  editor  may  serve  as  corresponding  secre- 
tary of  the  Young  People's  Christian  Union,  subject  to  the 
action  of  the  union. 

94 


YOUNG  people's  CHRISTIAN   UNION  95 

Section  II. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

NAME. 

This  organization  shall  be  called  "The  Young  People's 
Christian  Union  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ." 

Article  II. 

OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  union  shall  be  to  unite  the  young 
people's  Christian  societies  of  the  entire  Church,  of  what- 
ever name,  for  mutual  helpfulness,  for  stimulating  Church 
loyalty  and  an  intelligent  interest  in  the  various  Church 
enterprises,  and  for  the  organization  and  extension  of 
young  people's  Christian  societies  within  the  Church. 

Article  III. 

MEMBEESniP. 

Any  young  people's  Christian  society  of  whatever  name, 
connected  with  any  congregation  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ,  may  become  a  member  of  this  union  upon  the 
following  conditions : 

1.  That  it  be  enrolled  at  the  office  of  this  union,  either 
directly  or  through  the  conference  branch. 

2.  That  it  adopt  the  following  articles  as  part  of  its 
constitution : 

(a)  The  article  on  "Object"  shall  include:  "It  shall 
be  the  object  of  this  society  to  promote  an  earnest  Chris- 
tian life  among  its  members,  to  increase  their  mutual 
acquaintance,  to  make  them  more  useful  in  the  service  of 
God,  to  promote  loyalty  to  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  to  study  its  life  and  interests,  and  to 
seek  in  every  proper  way  to  assist  the  growth  of  both  the 
local  church  and  the  denomination  at  large,  as  our  par- 
ticular part  of  God's  Zion." 

(5)  As  a  separate  clause  or  article:  "This  society  shall 
at  no  time  adopt  any  rule  or  practice  contrary  to  the  Dis- 
cipline and  usages  of  the  United  Brethren  Church." 

(c)  As  a  separate  clause:  "This  society  shall  be 
auxiliary    to    the   Conference   Branch    of    the    Young 


96  DISCIPLINE 

People's    Christian    Union    of     the     United     Brethren     in 
Christ." 

Article  IV, 

OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  the  union  shall  consist  of  a 
president,  vice-president  for  each  bishop's  district,  record- 
ing secretary,  corresponding  secretary,  treasurer,  and  an 
executive  council. 

Sec.  2.  The  executive  council  shall  consist  of  the  presi- 
dent, corresponding  secretary,  and  five  other  members. 

Sec.  3.  These  officers,  except  three  members  of  the 
executive  council  to  be  chosen  by  the  General  Conference, 
shall  be  elected  at  the  regular  meeting  of  the  union,  and 
shall  serve  until  their  successors  are  duly  elected.  This 
election  shall  be  by  ballot,  upon  the  recommendation  of  a 
nominating  committee,  which  shall  report  twice  the  num- 
ber of  names  necessary  for  each  office. 

Sec.  4.  The  executive  council  shall  have  power  to  fill 
vacancies  occurring  during  the  intervals  of  the  meetings 
of  the  union. 

Article  V. 

duties  of  officers. 

Section  1.  The  president,  recording  secretary,  and 
treasurer  shall  perform  the  duties  usually  devolving  upon 
such  officers. 

Sec.  2.  In  addition  to  his  ordinary  duties  the  vice- 
president  living  in  each  district  shall  be  the  organizer  for 
that  district,  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may 
be  directed  by  the  executive  council. 

Sec.  3.  The  corresponding  secretary  shall  keep  a  list 
of  all  the  branches  and  of  all  the  Young  People's  societies 
in  the  Church,  with  the  name  of  the  president  and  cor- 
responding secretary  of  each.  He  shall  conduct  all  corre- 
spondence, give  notice  of  all  meetings  of  the  union  and  of 
the  executive  council,  collect  any  statistics  that  may  be 
desired,  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required 
by  the  union  or  by  the  executive  council. 

Sec.  4.  The  treasurer  shall  pay  out  money  only  on  the 
order  of  the  union  or  the  executive  council,  signed  by  the 
president    and    secretary. 

Sec,  5.  The  executive  council  shall  meet  annually  at 
such   time  and  place  as  it  may  determine.     It  shall  have 


YOUNG   people's    CHRISTIAN   UNION         '  97 

general  control  of  the  union,  call  meetings,  prepare  pro- 
grams, provide  for  the  expenses,  labor  to  promote  the  or- 
ganization of  branches  in  all  the  annual  conferences  and 
of  local  societies  throughout  the  Church,  provide  such  litera- 
ture for  the  societies  as  the  union  maj^  decide  or  the  council 
deem  proper,  and  attend  to  such  matters  as  may  be  necessary 
during  the  intervals  of  the  meetings  of  the  union.  It  shall 
make  reports  of  its  transactions  to  the  union. 

Article  VI. 

CONFERENCE  BRANCH  UNIONS. 

Section  1.  The  local  societies  of  any  conferences  shall 
constitute  a  branch  of  this  union,  to  be  known  by  the  name 
of  the  conference. 

Sec.  2.  These  branches  shall  be  governed  by  the  branch 
constitution  provided  by  this  union. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  conference  branch 
to  have  a  complete  list  of  the  societies  in  the  conference, 
to  report  them  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  general 
union,  and  to  collect  from  each  senior  society  an  annual  due 
of  one  dollar,  half  of  which  shall  be  paid  over  to  the  general 
union  and  to  collect  from  each  intermediate  and  junior  so- 
ciety an  annual  due  of  fifty  cents,  half  of  which  shall  be 
forwarded  to  the  treasurer  of  the  general  union. 

Article  Til. 
conventions. 

Section  1.  The  union  shall  hold  biennial  conventions, 
at  such  time  and  place  as  the  executive  council  may  deter- 
mine, for  the  transaction  of  business  and  the  discussion  of 
topics  relating  to  Christian  work. 

Sec.  2.  These  conventions  shall  be  composed  of  all  mem- 
bers of  local  societies  and  all  United  Brethren  ministers 
attending  the  conventions  of  this  union,  and  three  duly 
accredited  delegates  from  each  conference  branch. 

Sec.  3.  The  business  of  the  convention  shall  be  of  two 
kinds — deliberative  and  executive. 

Sec.  4.  Executive  business  shall  consist  of  the  follow- 
ing only : 

(a)      Changes  in  the  constitution. 

(6)      Election  of  officers. 

(c)      Authorizing  the  collection  and  payment  of  mo.'  ey. 


98  DISCIPLINE 

Sec.  5.  Upon  executive  business  all  members  may  de- 
bate, but  only  the  delegates  from  the  conference  branches 
may  Yote. 

Article  VIII. 

AMENDMENTS. 

This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular  con- 
vention of  the  union  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  dele- 
gates present,  notice  having  been  given  six  hours  in  ad- 
vance. 

Section  III. 

JUNIOR    SOCIETY. 
CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

NAME. 

This  organization  shall  be  known  as  the  Junior  Young 

People's  Society  of  United  Brethren 

Church  of  . 

Article  II. 

OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  promote  in  its  mem- 
bers a  pure  and  worthy  character,  to  aid  in  the  study  of 
the  Bible,  and  to  cultivate  the  principles  of  loyal  service  to 
Christ. 

Article  III. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Section  1.  The  membership  shall  be  boys  and  girls  from 
seven  to  fifteen  years  of  age,  who  shall  have  been  ap- 
proved by  the  leaders,  and  elected  by  a  majority  vote  of 
the  members  present  at  any  regular  meeting. 


YOUNG  people's  CHRISTIAN   UNION  99 

Sec.  2.  All  those  who  become  members  shall  pledge* 
themselves  to  attend  regularly  the  meetings  of  the  society 
and  to  observe  good  order  in  them. 

Article   IV, 

OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  this  Society  shall  be  a  leader 
and  an  assistant  leader  (adults),  a  president,  vice-president, 
secretary,   and   treasurer. 

Sec.  2.  The  leaders  shall  be  nominated  by  the  Young 
People's  Society  of  the  Church,  (or  by  the  Teachers  and 
Officers  of  the  Sunday  School  where  no  Young  People's  So- 
ciety exists,)  and  their  nomination  shall  be  approved  by  the 
pastor  and  the  official  board. 

*  This  pledge  should  be  understood  to  be  taken  by  all  members 
received  into  the  society.  Where  a  more  formal  pledge  is  desired, 
the  following  may  be  adopted : 

JUNIOR    SOCIETY    PLEDGE. 

Trusting  in  Jesus  Christ  to  help  me,  I  promise  that  I 
will  strive  to  do  whatever  he  would  like  to  have  me  do; 
that  I  will  pray  and  read  the  Bible,  and  keep  the  Sahhath 
day  holy;  and  that  just  so  far  as  I  know  how  I  will  try  to 
lead  a  good  life;  that  I  will  he  present  at  every  meeting 
when  not  hindered  hy  sickness  or  some  other  just  cause; 
and  that  I  will  take  some  part  in  the  meetings,  especially 
the  monthly  recognition  meetings. 

Note.— There  should  be  great  care  in  having  young  children, 
who  will  innocently  sign  anything,  take  this  pledge.  The  pledge 
should  be  clearly  explained  and  wisely  emphasized.  To  secure 
the  cooperation  of  the  parents  the  leaders  should  send  to  them  a 
copy  of  the  pledge,  and  also  the  following  for  the  parents  to  sign: 

parent's   answer. 

I  have  carefully  read  the  accompanying  pledge  and  cheer- 
fully give  my  consent  for to  sign  it,  and  toill 

do  what  I  can  to  help to  faithfully  keep  it. 

Parent's   'Name    

Address     c . » . , 


100  DISCIPLINE 

Article  V. 

DUTIES    OF    OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  leader  shall  have  general  charge  of  the 
society  and  its  work. 

Sec.  2.  The  assistant  leader  shall  aid  the  leader  at  his 
request,  and  care  for  all  the  funds  received  from  the  treas- 
urer. 

Sec.  3.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  business 
meetings,  under  the  advice  of  the  leader. 

Sec.  4.  The  vice-president  shall  conduct  business  meet- 
ings in  the  absence  of  the  president. 

Sec.  5.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  names 
and  attendance  of  members,  and  of  the  proceedings  of  all 
business  meetings. 

Sec.  6.  The  treasurer  shall  take  the  collections,  enter 
the  amount  in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose,  and  turn 
over  the  money  to  the  assistant  leader  for  safe  keeping.  A 
record  shall  also  be  kept  of  all  expenditures  as  directed  by 
the  leader  and  society. 

Article  VI. 

committees. 

There  shall  be  five  standing  committees  of  five  (or  three, 
as  may  be  desired)  members  each,  as  follows,  the  members 
in  each  (except  the  Executive  Committee)  to  be  proposed 
by  the  leaders  and  approved  by  the  society : 

1.  Memhership.  To  bring  in  those  who  may  wish  to  be- 
come members,  to  introduce  them  to  the  leaders,  and  to  help 
them  to  feel  at  home  in  the  meetings  of  the  society. 

2.  Devotional.  To  help  the  leader  to  arrange  programs, 
provide  music,  to  distribute  Bibles,  singing-books,  tracts, 
etc.,  and  to  aid  in  every  way  which  the  leaders  may  direct 
to  promote  the  interest  of  the  meetings. 

3.  Helping  Hand.  To  seek  new  scholars  for  the  Sun- 
day school,  and  to  bring  them  in  and  introduce  them  to 
the  superintendent,  to  visit  members  when  sick  or  neglect- 
ful of  the  meetings,  and  to  act  as  special  aids  to  the  lead- 
ers in  securing  a  full  attendance  at  the  monthly  recognition 
service. 

4.  Temperance.     To  canvass  for  signatures  to  the  tern- 


YOUNG   people's  CHEISTIAN   UNION  101 

perance  pledge^  under  the  direction  of  the  leaders,  and  to 
help  in  any  other  way  to  promote  temperance  work  among 
boys  and  girls. 

5.  Executive  Committee.  The  pastor,  leaders,  and  the 
oflBcers  shall  compose  the  executive  committee,  which  shall 
have  full  control  of  the  affairs  of  the  society. 

Article  VII. 

MEETINGS. 

Section  1.  A  devotional  meeting  shall  be  held  every 
week,  the  exercises  of  which  shall  consist  of  prayers,  Scrip- 
ture reading  and  study,  singing,  and  testimony. 

Sec.  2.  Once  a  month  the  meeting  shall  be  known  as  a 
Recognition  Meeting.  At  some  time  during  the  exercises 
the  pledge,  if  there  is  one,  shall  be  recited  in  concert,  and 
the  roll  called.  The  responses  shall  be  considered  a  re- 
newal of  the  pledge  of  the  society.  The  name  of  any  mem- 
ber who  is  absent  without  excuse  from  four  consecutive 
Recognition  Meetings  shall  be  dropped  from  the  roll  of 
members. 

Sec.  3.  All  meetings  shall  be  in  charge  of  the  leaders. 
If  there  are  those  among  the  members  capable  of  leading 
meetings,  they  may  be  chosen  to  do  so. 

Sec.  4.  The  pastor  or  leaders  shall  use  a  part  of  the 
hour  of  the  weekly  meeting,  when  deemed  best,  for  special 
instructions  in  Bible  truth,  or  for  other  profitable  exercises. 

Article  VIII. 

relationship. 

This  society  shall  be  considered  a  department  of  the 
church  with  which  it  is  connected.  It  shall  also  sustain  a 
close  and  intimate  relation  to  the  Young  People's  society  of 
the  Church,  with  which  the  members  of  the  Junior  Society 
are  expected  to  connect  themselves  when  they  have  reached 
the  age  limit. 

[Note.— This  constitution,  with  the  proper  changes,  may  also 
serve  as  a  model  constitution  for  the  intermediate  societies.] 

^ Temiierance  Pledge.— I  hereby  promise,  God  helping  me,  to  ab- 
stain from  the  use  of  tobacco  in  every  form,  from  the  use  of  wine, 
beer,  and  other  intoxicating  drinks,  and  from  the  use  of  ail  pro- 
fane and  unclean  language. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Christian  Stewardship  Commission. 

1.  There  shall  be  a  Christian  Stewardship  Commission 
consisting  of  the  secretaries  of  the  Young  People's  Christian 
Union,  of  the  Home  and  the  Foreign  Missionary  Societies, 
of  the  Church-Erection  Societj',  of  the  Sabbath-School  Board, 
and  of  the  Woman's  Missionary  Association. 

2.  The  duties  of  this  commission  shall  be  to  study  the 
subject  of  the  stewardship  of  money,  with  a  view  to  awaken- 
ing and  fostering  a  lively  interest  in  'the  same  by  means  of 
the  columns  of  our  Church  papers,  tracts,  and  the  advocacy 
of  the  subject  at  public  meetings. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  pastors  to  present  faith- 
fully the  obligations  and  privileges  of  Christian  steward- 
ship as  taught  iu  God's  Holy  Word. 


102 


PART  VI. 

Benevolent  and  Educational  Institutions, 
chapter  xvii. 

The  Home  Missioxaky  Society, 
constitution. 

Article  I. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the  "Home  Missionary  Socie- 
ty of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ"  ( the  legal 
successor  of  the  Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  in  its  home  work,) 
and  is  organized  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  the  annual  con- 
ferences in  extending  their  missionary  operations  in  the  needy 
portions  of  our  own  country.  It  shall  also  have  charge  of 
the  general  evangelistic  work  of  the  Church,  employing  only 
representative  men,  and  in  such  fields  as  it  may  select. 

Article  II. 

COAED   OF    CONTROL 

Tlie  General  Conference  shall  elect  five  ministers  and  four 
laymen,  a  general  secretary  and  treasurer,  who,  with  the 
bishops  as  ex  oiflcio  members,  shall  compose  the  board  of 
control.  The  senior  bishop  shall  be  president,  and  the 
remaining  members  of  the  Board  of  Bishops  be  the  vice- 
presidents  in  the  regular  order  of  seniority.  A  majority  of 
the  board  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Article  III. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Immediately  upon  adjournment  of  the  General  Conference, 
a  meeting  of  the  board  shall  be  called  by  the  secretary,  and 
an  organization  effected  for  the  quadrennium  by  electing  a 
president  and  vice-president. 

103 


104  DISCIPLINE 

Article  IV. 

DUTIES  OF  OFFICERS. 

1.  President.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings 
of  the  board,  and  shall  have  power,  in  conjunction  with  the 
secretary,  to  call  special  meetings.  In  the  absence  of  the 
president  the  vice-president  shall  take  his  place. 

2.  Secretary.  The  general  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct 
minute  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  society,  conduct  its  cor- 
respondence,  and  keep  a  record  of  all  bequests,  legacies", 
notes,  and  other  valuable  papers  coming  into  his  possession. 
He  shall  also  make  out  and  publish  an  annual  report  of  the 
work  of  the  society ;  also,  a  quadrennial  report  for  the 
General  Conference.  It  shall  be  his  further  duty,  when 
practicable,  to  visit  the  fields  where  the  board  is  giving  aid, 
with  the  view  of  acquainting  himself  and  the  board  with  the 
condition  and  needs  of  the  work.  He  shall  give  himself  to 
the  raising  of  funds  by  visiting  the  churches,  and  personally 
representing  the  interests  of  the  society.  His  salary  shall 
be  fixed  by  the  General  Conference. 

3.  Treasurer.  The  General  Church  Treasurer,  shall  hold 
the  funds  of  the  society,  subject  to  the  order  of  the  board. 
He  shall  give  bond  in  such  sum  as  the  board  of  control  may 
determine.  The  General  Conference  shall  fix  his  salary. 
The  proportion  of  his  salary  to  be  paid  by  this  society  shall 
be  paid  by  the  executive  committee  in  conjunction  with  the 
other  boards  having  the  services  of  said  General  Treasurer. 

Article   V. 

DUTIES   OF  THE  BOARD   OF   CONTROL. 

This  board  shall  hold  annual  meetings,  appoint  an  execu- 
tive committee,  consisting  of  five  members,  make  by-laws 
for  the  better  regulation  of  its  work,  appropriate  funds  for 
current  expenses,  employ  missionaries  and  agents,  open  new 
missions,  appoint  superintendents  for  mission  conferences 
and  districts,  authorize  appropriations,  dissolve  mission  con- 
ferences, fill  vacancies  in  its  own  body,  and  in  connec- 
tion with  one  or  more  of  the  bishops,  ordain  missionaries  in 
its  employ  to  the  ofiice  of  elder,  provided  such  missionaries 
have  taken  the  course  of  study  required  by  Discipline,  or 
its  equivalent.  It  shall  also  have  power  to  recommend 
persons  for  presiding  elders  in  conferences  where  said  elders 
are   supported   in   part   by    the   board.      It  may   remove   its 


THE    HOME   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY  105 

secretary   or   treasurer  from   office  for   immoral  conduct   or 
gross  neglect  of  duty,  after  a  full  and  impartial  investigation. 

Article  VI. 

BRANCH  SOCIETIES. 

1.  The  annual  conference  shall  organize  a  branch  society, 
auxiliary  to  the  Home  Missionary  Board,  consisting  of  five 
members,  naming  one  as  a  secretary.  This  society  shall  or- 
ganize by  electing  a  chairman  and  treasurer,  and  shall  have 
the  oversight  of  missions  supported  exclusively  by  the  con- 
ference. The  secretary  shall,  soon  after  each  session  of 
conference,  report  to  the  general  secretary  of  the  Home 
Board  the  number  of  missions  in  tlie  bounds  of  the  conference 
district,  and  the  support  given  to  each.  He  shall  also  report 
the  membership  of  the  missions  sustained  wholly  or  in  part 
by  the  General  Home  Board,  together  with  the  amounts 
raised  for  pastoral  support  and  the  various  benevolences  of 
the  Church. 

2.  At  each  session  of  the  conference  a  special  meeting 
shall  be  held  in  the  interest  of  home  missions,  and  a  col- 
lection taken  for  the  same  to  be  used  by  the  branch  society. 

Article  VII. 

FUNDS. 

1.  The  proceeds  of  permanent  funds  hereafter  secured 
shall  be  used  by  the  Home  Board,  unless  the  donors  direct 
otherwise, 

2.  Each  conference  shall  lay  upon  its  several  fields  a  rea- 
sonable assessment  for  home  missions,  which,  when  collected, 
shall  be  divided  equally  between  the  conference  and  Home 
Board. 

3.  Individuals,  young  people's  societies,  congregations, 
and  conferences  shall  be  encouraged  to  support  their  own 
representatives  in  important  mission  fields,  in  addition  to  the 
regular  collection  for  home  mission  purposes. 

4.  Special  efforts  shall  be  made  by  the  general  secretary, 
pastors,  and  presiding  elders  to  secure  wills,  bequests,  and 
deeded  properties  for  the  purpose  of  building  up  a  permanent 
fund,  the  interest  only  to  be  used  for  home  missions. 

Article  VIII. 

LOCAL    ORGANIZATION 

A  missionary  committee   may   be  organized   in  any   local 
church    to  interest  and  enlist  the  entivp  mombership  of  the  local 
8 


106  DISCIPLINE 

churcli  in  the  work  of  both  home  and  foreign  missions,  and 
devise  such  methods  and  measures  as  shall  develop  the  church 
into  a  strong  missionary  agency. 

Article  IX. 

MISSION  DISTRICTS  '' 

A  mission  district  shall  consist  of  three  or  more  fields  of 
labor  outside  the  bounds  of  an  annual  conference.  Its  reg- 
ular sessions  shall  be  presided  over  by  a  bishop  or  an  elder 
appointed  by  the  board.  At  these  meetings  the  regular  busi- 
ness of  an  annual  conference  may  be  transacted,  except  that 
the  superintendent  shall  be  appointed  by  the  board. 

Article  X. 

UNOCCUPIED  TERRITORY. 

The  Home  Mission  Board  may  operate  in  any  territory 
within  the  bounds  of  an  annual  conference  not  occupied  by 
said  conference,  and  by  consent  of  the  same. 

Article  XI. 

MISSIONARIES. 

Each  missionary  in  the  board's  employ  shall  report  to  the 
general  secretary  monthly  respecting  the  condition  of  his 
charge ;  and  no  missionary  shall  be  entitled  to  his  salary  if 
he  neglects  this  requirement,  or  leaves  his  field  without  the 
consent  of  the  board  or  his  presiding  elder.  A  similar 
quarterly  report  is  also  required  of  presiding  elders  em- 
ployed by  the  board. 

Article  XII. 

DUTIES   OF  PASTORS  AND  PRESIDING  ELDERS. 

1.  Each  pastor  shall,  at  least  once  a  year,  lay  before  his 
people  the  needs  of  home  missions,  and  not  only  secure  the 
amount  apportioned  'to  his  charge  for  the  same,  but  urge 
that  special  contributions  be  made  to  the  work. 

2.  He  shall  distribute  such  literature  as  will  enlighten 
the  membership,  and  thus  endeavor  to  cultivate  in  them  a 
genuine  missionary  spirit. 

3.  At  each  quarterly  meeting  the  presiding  elder  shall 
make  inquiry  a  to  what  is  being  done  for  home  missions, 
and  assist  the  pastor,  as  far  as  possible,  in  securing  his 
assessment  for  the  same. 


THE   HOME   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY  107 

Article  XIII. 

DUTIES  OF  BISHOPS. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop  at  each  conference 
over  which  he  presides  to  emphasize  the  importance  of  home- 
mission  work,  and  to  encourage  the  pastors  and  lay  dele- 
gates to  bring  up  full  reports  in  its  interest. 

2.  He  shall  visit  new  and  promising  openings,  especially 
in  the  cities  and  large  towns,  and  give  personal  direction  in 
establishing  missions  within  the  bounds  of  his  district. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 
The  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 
A7-ticle  I. 

NAME. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the  "Foreign  Miseionary  Soci- 
ety of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ"  (the 
legal  successor  of  the  Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  Mission- 
ary Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  in  its  foreign 
work). 

Article  II. 

FUNCTIONS. 

This  society  ivS  organized  for  the  purpose  of  extending  the 
knowledge  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  throughout  the  earth  by 
the  utilization  of  the  resources  of  the  Church.  Said  society 
shall,  through  its  distributed  activities,  promote  an  interest 
in  foreign  missions  by  approved  methods  in  the  home 
churches,  Sunday  schools,  and  Young  People's  societies.  It 
shall  disseminate  information  touching  mission  fields,  it 
shall  appoint,  commission,  and  send  forth  missionaries,  and 
conduct  any  and  all  work  that  properly  devolves  upon  such 
a  society. 

Article  III. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Membership  in  said  society  shall  be  encouraged  and  so- 
licited under  the  following  definite  contributions  : 

1.  Life  Directorship,  on  payment  of  one  hundred  dollars 
annually. 

2.  Patronizing  Membership,  by  payment  of  twenty-five 
dollars  annually. 

3.  Active  membership,  by  payment  of  ten  dollars  an- 
nually. 

4.  Supporting  Membership,  by  payment  of  five  dollars 
annually, 

5.  Contributing  Membership,  by  payment  of  one  dollar 
annually. 

108 


THE    FOREIGN    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY  109 

6.  Such  certificates  of  membership  as  shall  be  determined 
upon  from  time  to  time  may  be  issued  to  members  of  the 
society.  It  is  furthermore  provided  that  all  members  of  the 
society  shall,  by  a  suitable  amount  set  apart  from  their  con- 
tribution, be  afforded  the  publications  of  the  society. 

Article  IV. 

OFFICERS. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  a  president, 
elected  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  directors  in  each  quadren- 
nium.  The  bishops  shall  be  directors  ex  officio  and  vice- 
presidents  in  'the  order  of  their  seniority  in  office.  A  general 
secretary,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the  General  Conference. 
The  General  Conference  shall  also  elect  seven  directors ; 
these,  with  the  above-named  officers,  shall  constitute  the 
board  of  directors.  Two-thirds  of  the  officers  and  directors 
shall  constitute  a  quorum  at  any  regular  or  called  meeting. 

Article  V. 

DUTIES    OF    THE    TRESIDENT. 

The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  board, 
and  shall  have  power  in  conjunction  with  the  general  sec- 
retary, to  call  special  meetings.  In  the  absence  of  the  pres- 
ident, one  of  the  vice-presidents  shall  preside,  and  in  case 
no  vice-president  is  present,  a  president  pro  tcm.  may  be 
elected. 

Article  VI. 

DUTIES   OF   THE   GENERAL    SECRETARY. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  secretary  to  solicit  funds 
for  the  society,  and  have  the  general  oversight  of  all  agencies 
employed  by  the  society  in  the  solicitation  of  funds.  He  shall 
keep  a  correct  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  society,  and 
conduct  its  correspondence.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of  the 
membership  of  the  society.  He  shall  be  the  custodian  of  its 
legacies,  papers,  and  documents.  He  shall  promote  the  dis- 
semination of  missionary  information  throughout  the  Church, 
by  publications,  conventions,  rallies,  institutes,  etc.  He  shall 
seek  by  all  suitable  means  to  create  interest  in  the  work  con- 
ducted by  the  society ;  direct  the  organization  of  mission 
study  classes  among  children  and  young  people ;  solicit  Sun- 
day schools  as  auxiliaries  to  said  society,  and  churches  and 
individuals  for  special  giving  and  support,  etc.    He  shall  pre- 


110  •        DISCIPLINE 

pare  and  publish  an  annual  report  of  tlie  work  of  the  society 
for  its  anniversary^  meeting,  and  a  quadrennial  report  to  the 
General  Conference.  He  shall  exercise  diligence  to  discover 
and  encourage  those  whom  the  Holy  Spirit  has  called  to  the 
mission  field,  and  shall  bring  them  to  the  attention  of  the 
society  and  the  Church  at  large.  He  may  call  meetings  of  the 
executive  committee  at  such  times  as  the  interests  of  the 
society  shall  require.  His  salary  shall  be  determined  by  the 
General  Conference. 

Article  VII. 

DUTIES   OF   THE   TREASUEER. 

The  General  Church  Treasurer  shall  hold  the  funds  of  the 
society  subject  to  the  order  of  the  board.  The  proportion  of 
his  salary  to  be  paid  by  this  board  shall  be  fixed  bj'  the  ex- 
ecutive committee  in  conjunction  with  other  boards  hav- 
ing the  services  of  said  General  Church  Treasurer. 

Article  VIII.  / 

DUTIES   OF   THE   BOARD   OF   DIRECTORS. 

The  board  of  directors  shall  hold  an  annual  meeting ;  make 
by-laws  to  regulate  its  own  business ;  appropriate  money  to 
pay  incidental  expenses ;  employ  missionaries  and  agents ; 
open  new  missions ;  fill  vacancies  in  its  ov;n  body ;  in  con- 
nection with  the  bishops,  or  any  one  of  them,  ordain  mission- 
aries to  the  office  of  elder,  provided  such  missionaries  have 
taken  the  courses  of  study  required  by  Discipline  or  their 
equivalent ;  elect  an  executive  committee  of  five  persons 
to  have  charge  of  the  business  of  the  society  between  the 
annual  meetings ;  have  the  use  of  one  page  weekly  in  the 
Religious  Telescope,  which  page  shall  be  conducted  by  the 
general  secretary,  subject  to  the  general  approval  of  the 
editor. 

Article  IX. 

MISSION    DISTRICTS. 

A  mission  district  shall  consist  of  two  or  more  stations  oc- 
cupied or  operated  by  missionaries  under  the  appointment  of 
the  society.  These  mission  districts  shall  hold  annual  ses- 
sions to  be  presided  over  by  the  bishop  or  an  elder  appointed 
by  the  society.  At  these  meetings  the  boundaries  of  fields  of 
labor  shall  be  fixed ;  the  character  of  members  examined ; 
preachers  received  and  examined,  passed  on  course  of  read- 
ing and  ordained.     The  presiding  elder  may  be  appointed  by 


THE   rOUEIGN    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY  111 

the  society  to  preside  in  the  district,  and  he,  in  connection 
with  the  presiding  officer,  may  appoint  ministers  to  fields  of 
labor. 

Article  X. 

MISSIONARIES. 

Missionaries  in  the  employ  of  the  board  shall  report  as 
often  as  may  be  deemed  advisable  to  the  general  secretary, 
as  to  the  condition  and  progress  of  their  work.  No  mission- 
ary shall  be  entitled  to  his  salary  who  shall  neglect  to  com- 
ply with  this  requirement,  whether  in  the  field  or  at  home 
on  furlough.  No  missionary  shall  leave  his  work  without  the 
consent  of  his  superintendent,  or  of  the  executive  committee 
of  the  Missionary  Society. 

Article  XI. 

FUNDS. 

All  pastors  in  charge  of  fields  of  labor  shall  at  least  annu- 
ally present  the  needs  of  the  society  and  receive  the  offerings 
of  the  people,  through  the  work  of  a  soliciting  committee  and 
the  public  service,  the  object  being  to  make  sure  that  every 
member  of  the  congregation  is  given  an  opportunity  to  give 
for  the  support  of  the  society.  The  pastors  shall  be  given 
opportunity  to  take  the  usual  thank-offering  for  foreign 
missions  in  the  month  of  November,  for  such  special  objects 
as  the  board  shall  from  year  to  year  indicate.  All  funds, 
general  or  special,  shall  be  reported  to  the  general  secretary 
for  record  and  receipt. 

Article  XII. 

BRANCH    ORGANIZATION. 

Each  annual  conference  shall  organize  a  branch  society 
auxiliary  to  the  Foreign  Missionary'  Society,  consisting  of 
three  members,  naming  one  as  its  secretary,  who  shall  as- 
sist the  general  secretar;  in  developing  interest  in  foreign 
missions  and  securing  guts  for  the  society. 

Article  X7IL 

LOCAL   ORGANIZATION. 

A  missionary  committee  may  be  organized  in  any  local 
church  to  interest  and  enlist  the  entire  membership  of  the 
local  church  in  the  work  of  both  home  and  foreign  missions, 
and  devise  such  methods  and  measures  as  shall  develop  the 
church  into  a  strong  missionary  agency. 


112  DISCIPLINE 

Article  XIV. 

AUXILIARIES. 

The  society  shall  solicit  Sunday  schools,  Young  People's 
societies,  etc.,  as  auxiliaries  to  the  society,  under  such  regu- 
lations as  shall  be  deemed  appropriate  and  efficient.  Other 
auxiliary  agencies  may  be  organized  if  it  shall  be  thought 
advisable. 

Article  XV. 

SPECIAL  SUPPORT. 

Individuals,  congregations,  Sunday  schools,  and  societies 
may  be  solicited  for  the  support  of  a  station,  missionary,  or 
native  worker,  and  for  any  other  approved  features,  under 
such  rules  as  may  be  deemed  wise. 

Article  XVr. 

BEQUESTS, 

All  bequests  and  donations  for  specific  purposes  for  the 
work  of  the  society  shall  be  kept  sacred. 

Article  XVII. 

ANNUAL    CONFERENCES. 

The  society  shall  have  power  to  determine  as  to  the  organ- 
ization of  annual  conferences  on  mission  fields. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Woman's  Missionary  Association. 

Section  I. 

ARTICLES    OF   INCORPORATION. 

1.  The  name  by  which  this  corporation  shall  be  known 
is,  "The  Woman's  Missionary  Association  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  •  Christ,"  and  the  said  organization  is  not  for 
profit. 

2.  The  principal  business  of  said  corporation  is  to  be 
transacted  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  county  of  Montgomery, 
State  of  Ohio. 

3.  Said  corporation  is  formed  for  the  purpose  of  en- 
gaging and  uniting  the  efforts  of  women  in  sending  mission- 
aries into  the  foreign  and  domestic  fields  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church,  and  supporting  said  missionaries  and 
other  laborers  in  said  mission  fields,  and  in  securing  by 
gift,  bequest,  and  otherwise,  the  funds  necessary  for  the 
purpose  aforesaid. 

4.  Said  corporation  is  not  to  have  capital  stock. 

Section  II. 

BY-LAWS. 

By-Law  I. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

The  payment  of  one  dollar  annually  shall  constitute  the 
donor  a  member  of  this  association,  and  the  payment  of 
ten  dollars  at  one  time,  a  life  member.  The  payment  of 
twenty-five  dollars  at  one  time '  shall  constitute  the  donor 
a  life  director.  The  payment  of  one  hundred  dollars  at 
one  time  shall  constitute  the  donor  a  life  patron.  By  the 
installment  plan  the  payment  of  two  dollars  annually  for 
five  years  shall  constitute  the  donor  a  life  member,  or  five 
dollars  annually  for  five  years,  a  life  director,  or  twenty- 
five  dollars  annually  for  four  years,  or  fifty  dollars  annually 

113 


114  DISCIPLINE 

for  two  years,  a  life  patron.     A  certificate  is  given  at  the 
time  of  payment  in  full. 

By-Law  II. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The  organization  of  this  association  shall  consist  of  a 
board  of  managers,  nine  trustees,  and  branch  and  local 
societies  to  be  organized  under  the  constitution  hereto  at- 
tached. 

By-Law  III. 

BOARD    OF    MANAGERS^ 

The  board  of  managers  shall  consist  of  the  trustees  and 
three  delegates  from  each  branch  society,  who  shall  be 
elected  a,t  the  branch  annual  meeting  preceding  the  meet- 
ing of  the  board.  Said  board  shall  meet  annually  at  such 
time  and  place  as  shall  be  designated. 

The  duties  of  said  board  shall  be  advisory  to  the  trus- 
tees. Life  patrons  shall  have  all  the  privileges  of  full 
members  of  the  board  of  managers.  Life  directors  of  the 
association  shall  be  regarded  as  advisory  members  of  the 
board  of  managers. 

By-Law   lY. 
TRUSTEES    AND    OFFICERS. 

The  trustees  are  to  be  elected  by  the  members  of  the  as- 
sociation, who  shall  vote  either  in  person  or  by  proxy,  on 
the  first  Thursday  in  June,  in  the  city  of  Dayton.  The 
officers  shall  be  elected  by  the  trustees,  and  shall  consist  of 
a  president,  three  or  more  vice-presidents,  a  corresponding 
secretary,  a  recording  secretary,  and  a  treasurer. 

By-Law  V. 

DUTIES   OF  THE  BOARD  OF  TRUSTEES. 

The  board  of  trustees  shall  have  power  to  select  locations 
for  missions,  appoint  missionaries,  appropriate  the  funds 
of  the  association  as  the  interest  of  the  cause  may  de- 
mand, and  attend  to  the  administration  of  the  affairs  of  the 
association. 


woman's  missioxary  association  115 

By-Law   VI. 

BELATION  OF  THE   ASSOCIATION   TO   THE   CHURCH. 

This  association  shall  work  in  harmony  with  the  Home, 
Frontier,  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  General 
Conference  of  said  Church.  Its  missionaries  shall  be  sub- 
ject to  the  same  rules  that  govern  the  missionaries  of  the 
aforesaid  missionary  society. 

By-Law  VII. 

FUNDS. 

All  funds  coming  into  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
association  shall  be  held  subject  to  the  order  of  the  board 
of  trustees,  and  no  funds  shall  be  disbursed  by  the  treas- 
urer except  upon  the  orders  of  said  board,  duly  signed  by 
the  secretary. 

By-Law  VIII. 

BRANCH    SOCIETIES. 

One  branch  society  may  be  formed  within  the  bounds  of 
any  annual  conference  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  by 
the  adoption  of  the  branch  constitution. 

By-Law   IX. 

These  by-laws  may  be  altered  or  amended  at  any  annual 
meeting  of  the  board  of  managers  by  a  vote  of  tvv^o-thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

Form  of  Bequest. 

I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  to  the  Woman's  Missionary 
Association   of   the    United   Brethren    in     Christ,     the    sum 

of  ,  to  be  applied   to   the  purposes  set  forth   in  the 

Articles  of  Incorporation  adopted  March  28,  1890. 

Name 

Section  III. 

BRANCH    constitution. 

Article  I. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the Conference  Branch 

of   the    Woman's    Missionary    Association     of    the     United 
Brethren  in  Christ. 


116  DISCIPLINE 

Article  II. 

The  object  of  this  society  is  to  aid  the.  association  to 
awaken  an  interest  among  women  in  behalf  of  Christian 
missions,  and  to  raise  funds  for  their  support. 

Article   III. 

The  membership  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  association  within  the  limits  of  this  conference 
district. 

Article   IV. 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  a  pres- 
ident, two  vice-presidents,  a  secretary,  and  a  treasurer, 
who  together  shall  constitute  an  executive  committee  to 
supervise  the  entire  work  of  tlie  association  within  the 
conference  district.  It  shall  be  their  duty  to  make  earnest 
efforts  to  secure  the  organization  of  local  societies  in  all 
the  United  Brethren  congregations  within  the  bounds  of 
the  conference. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  of  this  so- 
ciety to  keep  a  correct  record  of  its  proceedings  and  the 
proceedings  of  the  executive  committee,  and  transmit  a  re- 
port to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  board  of  man- 
agers at  least  ten  days  before  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
board. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  treasurer  to  receive 
and  hold  the  funds  of  the  society,  and  transmit  the  same 
quarterly  to  the  treasurer  of  the  board,  the  last  report  to 
be  sent  in  at  least  ten  days  before  the  meeting  of  the  board 
of  managers. 

Article  V. 

This  society  shall  hold  annual  meetings  to  elect  its  officers 
and  members  of  the  board  of  managers,  and  to  transact  any 
business  pertaining  to  its  work,  its  members  to  consist  of 
the  officers  and  three  delegates  from  each  local  society. 

Article  VI. 

This  society  shall  provide  for  the  expenses  of  its  Cele- 
gates  to  the  annual  meetings  of  the  board  of  managers 


WOMAN'S    MISSIONARY    ASSOCIATION  117 

Article   VII. 

Life  directors  and  life  members  within  the  bounds  of 
the  conference  shall  be  regarded  as  advisory  members  of 
the  annual  meetings  of  this  society. 

Section  IV. 

LOCAL   CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the Local  Society  of 

Branch  Society  of  the  Woman's  Missionary  Association  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ ;  and  any  woman  may  become 
a  member  of  the  same  by  consenting  to  the  by-laws  of  said 
association. 

Article  II. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  a  president, 
vice-president,  secretary,  and  treasurer,  and  two  or  more 
collectors. 

Article  III. 

Section  1.  The  duties  of  the  president  shall  be  those 
usual  to  the  office. 

Sec.  2,  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  vice-president  to  as- 
sume the  duties  of  president  in  her  absence. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  keep  a 
record  of  the  proceedings  of  each  meeting,  with  the  names 
of  members,  and  report  quarterly  to  the  secretary  of  the 
branch  society. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  treasurer  to  hold  all 
funds  of  the  society  and  transmit  the  same  quarterly  to 
the  treasurer  of  the  branch  society. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  collectors  to  visit 
members  of  the  Church  and  solicit  names,  collect  quarterly 
dues,  and  report  the  number  of  visits  and  amount  collected 
at  each  meeting. 

Article  IV. 

Any  child  may  become  a  member  of  this  society  upon 
the  payment  of  cents  per  quarter. 


118  DISCIPLINE 

Article  V, 

This  society  shall  meet  quarterly,  and  shall  arrange  its 
year  with  reference  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the  branch 
society; 

The  election  of  officers  and  delegates  to  the  branch  meet- 
ing shall  be  held  at  the  last  quarterly  meeting  preceding 
the  branch  meeting. 

Article  YI. 

This  society  shall  appoint  a  superintendent  of  the  chil- 
dren's band,  who  shall  also  take  charge  of  the  funds,  and 
report  quarterly  to  the  treasurer  of  the  branch  society. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Women's  Aid  Society. 

constitution. 

Article  I. 

ORGANIZATION. 

When  at  any  time  an  opportunity  presents  itself  for  the 
organization  of  a  sufficient  number  of  women  (who  are 
members  or  friends  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ)  into  a  society  for  mutual  aid  in  promoting  the 
spiritual,  social,  financial,  and  intellectual  interests  of  a 
congregation  or  charge,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  pastor 
or  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district  to  call  together  the 
women  of  the  congregation  or  charge,  and,  after  se- 
curing the  names  of  all  present  wishing  to  become  members 
of  the  organization,  he  shall  proceed  to  organize,  by  electing 
by  ballot,  a  president,  vice-president,  secretary,  and  treas- 
urer, whose  duties  shall  be  those  usually  devolving  upon 
such   ofiicers. 

Article  II. 

NAME. 

This  organization  shall  be  known  as  the  Women's  Aid 
Society  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ 
at  . 

Article  III. 
ANNUAL    ELECTION. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  an- 
nually, at  its  last  meeting  preceding  the  session  of  the  an- 
nual conference,  and  the  officers  elect  shall  assume  the 
duties  of  their  offices  at  the  first  meeting  succeeding  the 
session  of  the  annual  conference,  at  which  time  the  secre- 
tary  shall  turn  over   to  the  secretary-elect  all   books   and 

119 


120  DISCIPLINE 

papers  belonging  to  the  society,  and  the  treasurer  shall 
make  settlement  with  and  turn  over  to  the  treasurer-elect 
all  funds  belonging  to  the  society. 

The  president  of  this  society,  when  a  member  of  the 
Church,  shall  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

Article  IV. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Any  woman  of  good  standing,  friendly  to  the  work  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  may  become  a 
member  of  the  society. 

Article  V. 

MEETINGS. 

The  regular  meetings  of  the  society  shall  be  at  least  once 
each  month,  and  oftener  when  any  interest  demands  it. 

The  meetings  shall  always  open  and  close  with  devotional 
exercises,  and  the  deliberations  shall  be  conducted  accord- 
ing to  the  usages  of  the  Church. 

In  case  of  the  absence  of  the  president  and  vice-president, 
the  secretary  shall  call  the  meeting  to  order,  and  proceed 
to  the  election  of  a  president  pro  tern.,  whose  oflScial  acts 
shall  be  valid. 

Article  VI. 

DUES. 

Each  member  of  the  society  shall  pay  into  the  treasury 
of  the  same  the  regular  monthly  dues  agreed  upon  by  the 
society,  and  in  case  a  member  shall  fail  to  pay  for  six  con- 
secutive months,  unless  unable  to  do  so,  her  name  may  be 
erased  from  the  roll  of  the  society. 

Article  VII. 

DISBURSEMENT    OF    FUNDS. 

All  moneys  collected  on  dues,  or  otherwise,  by  the  so- 
ciety, shall  be  used  for  the  benefit  of  the  congregation,  or 
charge,  or  for  any  benevolent  purpose,  as  the  society  may 
direct. 


WOMEN'S   AID   SOCIETY  121 

Article  VIII. 

CHRISTIAN  VISITATION. 

In  order  to  promote  the  work  of  Christianity  among  the 
families  under  our  influence,  the  members  of  the  society 
may  arrange,  so  as  to  have  all  such  families  visited  at 
least  once  a  month,  by  dividing  the  homes  to  be  visited  into 
districts  and  one  or  two  go  to  each  home,  look  after  the 
sick,  invite  persons  to  the  various  services  of  the  church, 
and  report  to  the  pastor  or  leader  all  persons  whose  inter- 
est demands  immediate  attention. 

This  is  not  to  be  substituted  for  the  leaders  nor  for  pas- 
toral visiting,  but  to  aid  them  in  their  work. 

Article  IX. 

AMENDMENTS. 

This  constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote  of  the  members  present  at  any  regular  meeting 
of  the  society. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 
Church-Erection  Society, 
constitution. 
Article  I. 

NAME. 

This  society  shall  be  known  as  the  "Church-Erection  So- 
ciety of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  lo- 
cated in  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Article  II. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

All  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  shall  be 
members  of  this  society  ;  provided,  further,  that  any  person 
paying  $1,000  at  one  time,  or  in  four  annual  payments  of 
$250  each,  shall  be  an  advisory  life  director.  The  secretary 
shall  prepare  and  furnish  to  such  advisory  life  directors  a 
certificate  as  evidence  of  such  directorship,  signed  by  the 
president  and  secretary. 

Article  III. 

OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  assist  congrega- 
tions in  locating  and  erecting  houses  of  worship  and  par- 
sonages. 

Article  IV. 

OFFICERS. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  nine  direc- 
tors, four  of  whom  shall  be  laymen,  a  corresponding  secre- 
tary, and  the  General  Church  Treasurer,  who  shall  be  elected 
by  the  General  Conference.  The  bishops  shall  be  directors  of 
this  society  ex  officio. 

These  officers  and  directors  shall  constitute  a  board  of 
managers,  who  shall  meet  immediately  on  adjournment  of 
the  General  Conference  on  the  call  of  the  corresponding  sec- 
retary, and  organize  by  electing  a  president  and  vice-presi- 
dent. 

122 


CHURCH-ERECTION    SOCIETY  123 

Tlie  corresponding  secretary  shall  be  the  recording  secre- 
tary of  the  board. 

Article  V. 

MEETINGS. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  managers  shall  be 
held  at  such  time  and  place  as  the  board  itself  may  decide. 
Other  meetings  may  be  held  at  such  time  and  place  as  may 
be  designated  by  the  president  and  corresponding  secretary. 
Five  members  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Article  VI. 

DUTIES    OF    OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings 
of  the  board,  and  perform  all  duties  usual  to  the  office.  In 
the  absence  of  the  president,  the  vice-president  shall  pre- 
side. 

Sec.  2.  The  corresponding  secretary  shall  keep  a  rec- 
ord of  the  proceedings  of  the  board,  conduct  its  corre- 
spondence, and  devote  himself  to  the  work  of  securing  funds 
and  otherwise  attending  to  the  interests  of  the  society  as 
the  board  may  direct.  He  shall  submit  an  annual  report  to 
the  board  of  managers  and  a  quadrennial  report  to  the  Gen- 
eral Conference.  The  salary  of  such  secretary  shall  be  fixed 
by  the  General  Conference. 

Sec  3.  The  treasurer  shall  hold  the  funds  of  the  so- 
ciety subject  to  the  order  of  the  board. 

Sec  4.  The  board  of  managers  shall  hold  annual  meet- 
ings, appoint  an  executive  committee  of  not  less  than  five, 
make  by-la  v/s  to  regulate  its  business,  loan  money  to 
churches,  appropriate  money  to  defray  incidental  expenses, 
and  publish  such  matter  from  time  to  time  as  the  cause 
may  require.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  managers, 
in  case  of  vacancy  in  the  office  of  secretary,  from  death, 
resignation,  or  otherwise,  to  appoint  his  successor  as  soon 
as  practicable,  who  shall  serve  till  the  following  General 
Conference. 

Article  VII. 

BRANCH    SOCIETIES. 

Section  1.  Each  annual  conference  of  the  Cliurch  is 
hereby  constituted  a  branch  of  this  society,  and  shall  elect 
a  board  of  directors  of  not  less  than  five  of  its  members,  in 


124  DISCIPLINE 

such  manner  as  may  meet  the  requirements  of  the  confer- 
ence. This  board  shall  organize  by  electing  a  president,  sec- 
retary and  treasurer,  and  may  adopt  such  rules  and  regula- 
tions for  their  government,  not  conflicting  herewith,  as  they 
may  determine.  The  branch  secretary  and  treasurer  shall 
report  annually  to  the  board  of  directors,  the  annual  con- 
ference, and  the  corresponding  secretary. 

Sec.  2.  The  board  of  directors,  in  conjunction  with  the 
presiding  elder,  may  take  charge  of  the  property  of  the 
church  which  becomes  vacant  and  control  the  same  so  as  to 
subserve  the  best  interests  of  the  conference. 

Article  VIII. 

APPORTIONMENT    AND   DIVISION. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  annual  conference  to  make  a 
judicious  apportionment  to  the  several  fields  of  labor  with- 
in its  bounds  for  this  interest,  one-half  of  which  fund,  when 
collected  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  General  Church  Treas- 
urer of  the  parent  board  of  church  erection,  located  at  Day- 
ton, Ohio,  the  branch  treasurer  retaining  one-half  for  the 
conference ;  provided,  however,  that  special  donations  and 
bequests  shall  go  to  the  parent  society  unless  the  donors 
direct  other  wise. 

Article  IX. 

RECEIPTS    OF    TREASURER. 

The  General  Church  Treasurer  shall  receipt  for  all  money 
sent  him  by  the  various  conference  treasurers. 

Article  X. 

APPLICATION   FOR  LOANS. 

1.  Application  for  loans  from  this  society  shall  be 
made  to  the  board  of  managers,  through  the  officers  of 
the  branch  society ;  provided,  however,  that  in  the  locating 
and  erection  of  houses  of  worship  no  board  of  trustees  apply- 
ing for  aid  from  the  parent  board  shall  receive  a  loan  from 
said  board  until  the  location  has  received  the  approval  of 
the  conference  board. 

2.  No  loans  shall  bo  granted  to  churches  which  are 
to  cost  more  than  .$10,000,  exclusive  of  lot,  except  where  the 
interests  of  a  conference  or  the  Church  makes  it  necessary 
to  build  a  church  nt  some  strategic  point,  overreaching  this 
limit   in  cost ;    in   which   case  the  board   of  managers   may 


CHURCH-EEECTION    SOCIETY  125 

make  a  call  upon  tlie  Church,^ or  such  part  of  the  Church, 
as  it  may  deem  wise,  for  special  contributions.  Such  funds 
as  may  be  received  by  this  appeal  may  be  used  for  that 
purpose. 

Article  XI. 

GRANTING   OF   LOANS. 

Section  1.  The  board  shall  make  no  appropriations 
where  there  is  reasonable  prospect  that  the  church  asking 
aid  can  succeed  without  it,  or  where  there  is  no  prospect 
of  gathering  a  good  church  membership. 

Sec.  2.  All  aid  rendered  shall  be  only  as  a  loan,  the 
principal  to  be  refunded  without  interest  at  such  times  and 
in  such  amounts  as  the  board  and  the  church  aided  may 
agree  upon. 

Sec.  3.  Funds  shall  not  be  loaned  to  any  church  until 
the  church  property  is  secured  by  deed  as  provided  for  in 
the  Discipline ;  nor  shall  loans  be  made  to  churches  until 
their  trustees  have  forwarded  an  abstract  of  the  title  of 
their  property,  certificate  of  release  of  all  mechanics'  liens 
and  other  incumbrances,  and  their  notes,  secured  by  the  first 
mortgage  on  the  premises  properly  recorded  in  the  records 
of  the  courts,  for  the  inspection  of  the  board  of  managers,  or 
executive  committee. 

Article  XII. 

RETURN   OF   LOANS. 

Should  any  local  church  thus  aided  lose  its  organization, 
so  as  to  make  the  sale  of  its  house  necessary,  then  out  of 
the  proceeds  of  such  sale  the  amount  loaned,  with  interest, 
shall  be  refunded  to  the  Church-Erection  Board. 

Article  XIII. 

INSURANCE. 

Section  1.  The  trustees  of  any  church  or  parsonage 
which  receives  a  loan  from  the  Church-Erection  Society 
shall  be  required  to  secure  said  property  from  loss  by  fire  in 
some  reliable  insurance  company  in  favor  of  said  Church- 
Erection  Society. 

Sec,  2.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  authority  to 
constitute,  by  special  act  of  incorporation,  a  plan  to  insure 
churches  and  parsonages  within  the  denomination. 


126  DISCIPLINE 

Article  XIV. 

PARSONAGE   FUND. 

1.  This  fund  shall  be  under  the  control  of  the  Church- 
Erection  Society,  and  shall  be  loaned,  without  interest,  to 
aid  in  the  building  of  parsonages,  on  the  same  plan  and 
under  the  same  regulations  that  loans  are  made  to  churches. 

2.  The  Church-Erection  Society  shall  adopt  such 
methods  as  it  shall  deem  proper  to  increase  this  fund  and 
to  bring  the  membership  of  the  Church  into  a  larger  sym- 
pathy with  the  work  of  building  parsonages. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Church-Erection  Secretary 
to  include  in  his  annual  report  to  the  board  of  managers  a 
full  statement  of  new  funds  received  and  loans  returned,  to- 
gether with  the  number  of  parsonages  added  during  the  year. 

Article  XV. 

DUTY   OF   THE   MINISTRY. 

1.  Each  pastor  shall  present  the  interests  of  church 
erection  to  his  people  during  the  year,  and  distribute  such 
literature  as  may  be  furnished  by  the  secretary  and  board 
of  managers. 

2.  The  presiding  elder  shall  direct  attention  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  society  at  quarterly  meetings,  and  shall  ad- 
vise with  the  pastors  as  to  the  best  methods  of  securing  the 
assessments  in  full.  They  shall  also  interest  themselves  in 
securing  special  gifts  and  bequests  from  those  who  may  be 
able  to  give. 

^  Article  XVI. 

PARSONAGE  DAY. 

Easter  Day,  or  the  Sabbath  preceding  or  following,  of  each 
year,  shall  be  set  apart  for  special  offerings  in  all  our 
churches,  the  proceeds  of  which  shall  be  applied  on  parson- 
age fund.  The  pastor  shall  be  required  to  cooperate  with  the 
corresponding  secretary  in  securing  the  best  possible  results. 

[Note.— For  the  election  and  duties  of  the  treasurer  of  this  so- 
ciety, see  Chap.  V.,  Section  X.,  page  43.] 


CHAPTER  XXII 
Printing  Establisument  and  Church  Publications. 

Section  I. 

printing  establishment. 

'Name. 

1.  This  establishment  shall  be  called  "The  Printing  Es- 
tablishment of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ." 

Election  of  Officers. 

2.  The  controlling  authority  herein  granted  shall  be 
vested  in  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  elect  the  necessary  agents  and  editors, 
and  fix  their  salaries,  and  make  or  amend  such  rules  as  in 
its  judgment  it  may  deem  expedient. 

Trustees — Election  and  Duties. 

3.  The  General  Conference  shall  elect  a  board  of  nine 
trustees  from  the  four  bishops'  districts,  to  serve  for  four 
years,  or  until  their  successors  are  elected ;  provided,  that 
not  less  than  three  of  the  number  shall  be  residents  of  Day- 
ton or  its  vicinity. 

4.  The  board  of  trustees  thus  elected  shall,  during  the 
interval  of  the  General  Conferences,  take  the  oversight  of 
the  Printing  Establishment,  They  shall  meet  annually, 
or  oftener  if  need  be,  in  the  Publishing  House  in  Dayton, 
Ohio,  on  the  call  of  their  president.  They  shall  also  select 
a  local  committee  of  three  of  their  number,  from  among 
those  residing  in  Dayton  or  its  vicinity. 

5.  The  local  committee  shall  take  the  oversight  of  the 
establishment  during  the  intervals  of  the  meetings  of  the 
board  of  trustees.  It  shall  meet  monthly,  or  oftener  if 
need  be,  and  shall  have  power  to  order  expenses  curtailed 
in  any  department  of  the  Publishing  House ;  and  should 
there  arise  a  difference  of  opinion  between  the  Agent  and 
editor  of  any  of  the  publications  as  to  what  shall  appear 
in  the  columns  of  any  paper,  tha  committee  shall  decide 
the  matter ;  it  shall  also  decide  what  books  that  have  been 

127 


128  DISCIPLINE 

approved  by  the  book  committee  shall  be  published  by  the 
House,  and  transact  such  other  business  as  may  come  be- 
fore it. 

6.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  have  full  power  at  any 
meeting  to  discontinue  any  periodical  when  the  interests  of 
the  Church  or  Printing  Establishment  demand  it ;  such 
action  shall,  however,  not  be  taken  except  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  the  board. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  see  that  the 
Agent  and  editors  properly  and  faithfully  discharge  their 
duties.  In  case  of  dereliction  of  duty,  they  may  suspend  the 
delinquent  party  or  parties  from  office  until  the  General 
Conference ;  provided,  however,  that  no  one  shall  be  sus- 
pended until  a  copy  of  the  complaints  in  writing  has  been 
presented  to  the  accused,  and  an  opportunity  given  for  de- 
fense before  the  board  of  trustees. 

8.  The  trustees  may  make  any  by-laws  which  may  seem 
to  them  expedient  for  the  regulation  of  the  minor  concerns 
of  the  Printing  Establishment,  provided  they  are  not  in- 
consistent with  any  General  Conference  rule. 

Duties  of  Publishing  Agent. 

9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Agent  to  supervise  and 
manage  the  business  of  the  Printing  Establishment,  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  board  of  trustees ;  to  regulate  the 
publications  and  all  other  affairs  of  the  House,  except  that 
which  pertains  to  the  editorial  departments,  in  such  man- 
ner as  the  interests  of  the  Church  may  require.  He  shall 
also  furnish  to  the  local  committee,  at  each  monthly  meet- 
ing, a  full  and  satisfactory  statement  of  all  the  business; 
transactions  of  the  previous  month  ;  and,  if  desired  by  the 
committee,  he  shall  present  for  examination  all  books, 
vouchers,  and  papers,  and  afford  the  committee  every  means 
and  facility  for  a  full  and  intelligent  understanding  of  the 
business  of  the  Publishing  House.  He  shall  keep  separate 
accounts  with  each  department  of  the  business,  and 'also 
each  periodical  published,  and  carry  into  effect  all  of  the 
instructions  of  the  board  of  trustees  and  local  committee. 

10.  The  Agent  and  local  committee  shall  annually  take 
an  account  of  stock,  including  in  the  inventory  all  the  as- 
sets, of  whatever  nature,  of  the  Printing  Establishment 
at  their  estimated  cash  value,  except  the  real  estate,  which 
shall  be  appraised  by  the  local  committee  of  the  board  q£ 


PRINTING    ESTABLISHMENT,    CHURCH    PUBLICATIONS    129 

trustees  at  the  end  of  each  quaclrennium,  and  the  valuation 
shall  not  be  changed  prior  to  the  close  of  the  succeeding 
quadrennium  except  by  the  purchase  or  sale,  improvement 
or  destruction  of  property.  Such  inventory  shall  also  con- 
tain a  full  and  detailed  statemept  of  all  liabilities,  profits, 
and  losses. 

11.  The  Agent  shall  prepare  and  publish  a' report  of  the 
condition  of  the  Printing  Establishment  annually,  in  the 
RcVu/ious  Telescope,  and  shall  also  make  a  report  to  the 
General  Conference.  He  shall  make  arrangements  for  ver- 
batim reports  of  the  proceedings  of  the  General  Conference 
cor  publication. 

Yacancies. 

12.  Should  any  vacancy  occur  in  any  of  the  offices  of 
Mie  Printing  Establishment,  or  in  the  board  of  trustees,  the 
trustees  shall  fill  such  vacancy  until  the  sitting  of  the  suc- 
ceeding General  Conference. 

Employment  of  Time. 

13.  No  editor  or  officer  employed  in  the  Printing  Es- 
tablishment shall  accept  any  office  or  engage  in  any  business 
which  vv'ill  interfere  with  the  duties  of  his  office. 

Proceeds. 

14.  The  profits  of  the  Printing  Establishment,  after  a 
sufficient  capital  to  carry  on  the  business  is  retained,  shall 
be  applied  to  the  benefit  of  traveling  and  worn-out  itinerant 
preachers  and  their  widows  and  orphans.  The  distribu- 
tion of  any  available  profits  of  the  Printing  Establishment 
lor  this  purpose  shall  be  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
regular  ministers  in  each  annual  conference  who  are  itin- 
erants according  to  the  "Itinerant  Plan"  of  the  Discipline. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  of  each  annual  con- 
ference each  year  to  report  to  the  Publishing  Agent,  at 
Dayton,  Ohio,  the  true  number  of  such  itinerants  as  shown 
by  the  records  of  his  conference ;  also  the  name  and  ad- 
dress of  the  conference  treasurer  appointed  to  receive  the 
dividend  awarded  to  the  conference. 

15.  That  it  be  obligatory  upon  every  minister  of  the 
Church  to  settle  his  account  with  the  Publishing  House  be- 
fore the  close  of  the  fiscal  year,  the  fiscal  year  closing 
April  1. 


130  DISCIPLINE 

Section  II. 

CHURCH   PUBLICATIONS. 

Book  Committee, 

1.  That  the  book  committee  be  composed  of  the  editor 
of  the  Religious  Telescope;  editor  of  the  Watchivord,  edi- 
tor of  the  Sabbath-school  literature,  the  professor  of  theology 
iu  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  and  the  Publishing  Agent. 
The  latter  shall  receive  all  manuscripts  and  have  power  to 
call  the  committee,  and  without  the  sanction  of  the  book 
committee  no  book  shall  be  published  in  the  name  of  the 
Church  or  Publishing  House  during  the  intervals  of  the 
General   Conference. 

Authorship  of  Doctrinal  Puhlieations. 

2.  No  one  of  our  preachers  or  laymen  shall  become  the 
author  of  any  doctrinal  book  or  pamphlet,  in  a  printed 
form,  in  the  name  of  the  Church,  without  the  approbation 
of  the  book  committee  or  the  annual  conference,  or  of  a 
committee  chosen  by  the  latter.  And  if  any  preacher  or 
layman  violates  this  rule,  he  shall  be  accountable  to  the 
class  or  to  the  quarterly  or  annual  conference,  as  the  case 
may  be. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 
Education. 
Section  I. 

BOARD   OF   EDUCA-flON — CONSTITUTION. 

The  Board  of  Education  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ 
shall  couvsist  of  nine  members  to  be  elected  by  the  General 
Conference,  who  shall  hold  office  for  four  years.  In  addition, 
the  bishops  shall  be  members  ex  officio  of  this  board.  Five 
members  shall  constitute  a  quorum.  This  board  shall  direct 
and  supervise  the  general  educational  work  of  the  Church 
under  the  rules  and  regulations  enacted  by  the  General  Con- 
ference. 

Officers. 

1.  The  officers  of  the  board  shall  be  a  president  and  sec- 
retary, who  shall  be  elected  by  the  board  at  the  first  session 
immediately  after  the  adjournment  of  General  Conference, 
and  these  officers  shall  hold  office  until  the  next  General  Con- 
ference. 

2.  The  secretary  may  be  any  competent  member  of  the 
Church,  and,  if  elected  from  outside  the  board,  shall  be  an 
advisory  member. 

3.  This  secretary  is  to  devote  eucb  portion  of  his  time  to 
the  work  of  the  board  as  it  may  direct,  !3dis  -compensation  to  be 
fixed  by  the  board. 

4.  There  shall  be  at  least  one  fs'^q^ion  of  the  board  each 
year.  Special  meetings  of  the  bo?rd  may  be  called  by  the 
president,  upon  the  reques'   of  fivr;  members. 

5.  In  case  of  vacancy  '^ccur?:rjig  in  the  board,  by  death 
or  otherwise,  the  board  s''"^lll  hp''"e  power  to  fill  the  vacancy, 
the  election  to  be  by  b^^^^^:,  ap3  the  person  elected  to  hold 
office  until  the  next  m<^  W^;  of  the  General  Conference. 


132 


DISCIPLINE 


6.  There  shall  be  at  least  one  session  of  the  board  each 
year.  Special  meetings  of  the  board  shall  be  called  by  the 
president,  upon  request  of  five  members. 

Objects. 

7.  The  objects  of  this  board  shall  be : 

GENERAL    AIM. 

(1)  To  assist  in  every  way  the  cause  of  higher  educa- 
tion in  the  Church,  to  awaken  and  stimulate  an  interest  in 
this  important  work  throughout  the  borders  of  our  Zion, 
to  encourage  and  aid  our  educational  institutions  that  are 
striving  to  bring  the  Church  to  greater  efficiency,  and  to 
unite  the  friends  of  education  in  their  efforts,  that  greater 
unity  of  plan  may  be  secured,  and  the  forces  of  the  Church 
combined  to  give  our  people  advantages  commensurate  with 
the  needs  of  the  present  day. 

BENEFICIARY   AID. 

(2)  To  raise  funds  by  collection,  donation,  or  bequest, 
to  aid  by  loan,  without  interest,  as  the  executive  com- 
mittee may  determine,  in  educating,  in  both  their  collegiate 
and  theological  courses,  worthy  young  persons  who  are  pre- 
paring themselves  for  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  or 
as  missionaries  in  the  United  Brethren  Church ;  provided, 
however,  that  the  board  shall  have  power  to  receive  money 
and  use  it  for  other  educational  purposes,  as  donors  may 
direct. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

(3)  To  seek  by  the  publication  of  tracts,  pamphlets, 
addresses,  or  books  upon  educational  questions,  to  diffuse 
among  our  members  a  more  general  knowledge  of  the  value 
of  a  sanctified  education  and  of  a  well-instructed  ministry, 
and  thereby  awaken  in  them  a  better  appreciation  of  our 
institutions  of  learning,  and  of  the  obligations  resting  upon 
them  to  give  of  their  substance  for  their  support. 

REPORTS  AND  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

(4)  To  make  an  annual  report  of  the  general  and  finan- 
cial condition  of  the  colleges  and  other  educational  insti- 
tutions of  the  Church ;   to  make  such  recommendations  to 


EDUCATION  133 

the  managers  of  these  institutions  as  will  tend  to  make  them 
more  effective ;  to  secure,  as  far  as  may  seem  desirable, 
harmony  of  courses  of  study  between  preparatory  schools 
and  colleges  and  universities. 

ESTABLISHMENT  OF  SCHOOLS  AND  COLLEGES. 

(5)  To  discourage  the  multiplication  of  schools  and 
colleges  where  they  cannot  be  properly  supported.  Con- 
ferences, or  a  conference,  wishing  to  establish,  relocate,  or 
change  the  grade  of  a  school,  shall  first  counsel  with  the 
Board  of  Education,  both  as  to  the  advisability  of  the  meas- 
ure proposed,  and  also  as  to  the  method  and  location,  and 
any  school  started  without  the  sanction  of  this  board  shall 
not  be  recognized  as  a  Church  school.  The  board  shall 
make  inquiry  as  to  the  number  of  schools  within  different 
communities,  and  where  found  to  be  too  numerous,  the 
board  shall  institute  measures  for  combination  and  con- 
centration of  their  resources  and  efforts. 

Collections. 

8.  To  accomplish  these  results,  the  board  may  cause 
an  annual  collection  to  be  taken  on  the  next  Sabbath  fol- 
lowing the  last  Thursday  of  January,  or  at  such  other  time 
as  the  presiding  elder  of  any  district  may  deem  most  suit- 
able. The  preacher  in  charge,  or  some  other  competent 
person,  shall  first  preach  a  sermon  or  make  appropriate  re- 
marks concerning  the  object,  plans,  and  work  of  this  board, 
and  then  take  a  collection  in  such  manner  as  will  secure 
the  largest  amount  of  funds.  If  the  board  thinks  best,  it 
may  apportion  the  amount  to  be  raised  by  the  various  con- 
ferences, according  to  their  number  and  ability,  and  the 
conferences  in  turn  shall  make  these  apportionments  to  their 
respective  fields  of  labor,  and  the  funds  thus  raised  shall  be 
sent  to  the  treasurer  of  the  board. 

Recommendations  for  Aid. 

9.  Young  persons  aided  by  this  board  must  first  be 
recommended  as  suitable  persons  to  receive  aid,  by  the 
conference  in  whose  bounds  they  live,  or  to  which  they 
belong ;  or  by  the  Board  of  Missions,  when  the  applicant 
does  not   reside  within   the  bounds  of  any   conference ;   or 


134  DISCIPLINE 

by  an  educational  committee  appointed  by  the  conference, 
to  whom  all  requests  for  aid,  not  acted  upon  by  conference, 
or  which  shall  occur  during  the  interim  of  its  sessions,  shall 
be  referred. 

Delinquents. 

10.  Any  person  having  received  •  aid  from  the  Board  of 
Education  shall  not  be  granted  an  honorable  dismissal  by 
his  conference  until  he  shall  have  made  satisfactory  settle- 
ment with  the  board.  The  bishops  are  directed  to  enforce 
this  provision. 

Executive   Committee  and  By-Laws. 

11.  The  board  shall  have  power  to  appoint  an  executive 
committee  from  its  own  body,  and  to  make  such  by-laws 
to  regulate  its  own  proceedings,  and  take  such  other  meas- 
ures to  accomplish  the  object  of  its  creation,  as  shall  not  be 
inconsistent  with  this  constitution. 

Quadrennial  Report. 

12.  The  board,  through  its  corresponding  secretary,  shall 
make  to  the  General  Conference  a  report  of  all  the  work 
done  during  the  preceding  four  years,  including  money  re- 
ceived by  collections,  bequests,  or  otherwise,  the  amount 
paid  out,  and  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  paid.  The 
board  may  propose  to  the  General  Conference,  from  time 
to  time,  such  plans  as  it  may  consider  useful  or  necessary 
for  the  success  of  the  work  committed  to  it. 

13.  No  addition  or  amendments  to  the  provisions  of  this 
constitution  shall  be  made  except  by  consent  of  a  majority 
of  the  members  of  the  General  Conference  present  at  any 
of  its  sessions.  Notice  of  any  proposed  addition  or  amend- 
ment shall  be  given  at  least  one  day  previous  to  its  con- 
sideration. 

SECTioisr  TT. 

ACADEMIES. 

In  this  day  of  excellent  high-schools  in  many  parts  of 
our  country,  academies  should  be  located  judiciously,  and 
should  confine  their  literary  courses  of  study  to  such  branches 
of  learning  as  will  prepare  for  entrance  upon  the  freshman 
or  sophomore  year  of  the  best  colleges.  An  academy  doing 
such  work  is  greatly  preferable  to  an  inferior  college.     No 


EDUCATION  135 

new   academy    shall    be   undertaken   with    a   less   sum    than 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 

Section  III. 

COLLEGES. 

1.  The  success  of  our  church  work  is  connected  vitally 
with  the  colleges  of  the  Church.  In  these  our  youth  are 
developed  and  equipped  in  mind  and  heart  for  the  work  of 
effective  service  to  humanity. 

2.  The  ministry  and  laity  should  earnestly  use  their 
power  to  have  as  many  young  people  as  possible  attend  our 
own  institutions  of  learning,  and  to  encourage  persons  to 
give  liberally  of  their  means  for  the  more  thorough  estab- 
lishment and  equipment  of  our  educational  institutions. 

3.  For  the  purpose  of  greater  unity  and  efficiency  in  our 
educational  work,  the  General  Conference  directs  that  the 
length  of  a  course  of  study  leading  to  degrees  be  three 
years  in  the  preparatory  department  and  four  years  in  the 
college,  and  asks  all  the  schools  in  the  Church  to  adopt  this 
standard. 

4.  No  college  shall  be  founded  except  upon  the  demand 
of  an  imperative  necessity,  or  with  a  less  sum  of  money 
than  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  of  which  fifty  thousand 
dollars  shall  be  a  permanent  and  productive  endowment, 
and  whose  title  shall  be  in  fee  simple  to  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ.  As  to  Christian  education,  the 
divine  Word  aptly  declares :  "Wisdom  is  a  defence,  and 
money  is  a  defence :  but  the  excellency  of  knowledge  is, 
that  wisdom  giveth  life  to  them  that  have  it." 

5.  It  is  advised  that  any  conference  cooperating  with 
any  of  our  institutions  of  learning  remain  therewith  until 
there  be  an  equitable  adjustment  of  all  outstanding  obliga- 
tions of  such  institution,  either  as  may  be  determined  by 
such  conference  and  the  trustees  of  the  institution,  or  by 
the  Board  of  Education. 

6.  It  is  recommended  that  the  several  presidents  and 
principals  of  our  institutions  of  learning  be  ex  officio  mem- 
bers of  the  local  official  bodies  which  govern  the  said  insti- 
tutions. 

7.  We  direct  that  the  endowment  funds  of  our  institu- 
tions of  learning  be  kept  sacred  for  the  purposes  for  which 
they    were   given,    and    not    dissipated   and    jeopardized   by 


136  DISCIPLINE 

loans  to  the  contingent  fund  of  the  institution  and  spent 
for  current  expenses,  and  we  recommend  that  these  funds 
of  our  institutions  be  not  loaned  to  the  members  of  the 
board,  or  officers  or  teachers  of  the  institution,  or  others 
who  are  personally  interested  in  the  care  and  safe-keeping 
of  these  funds. 

8.  We  cordially  endorse  and  approve  the  best  method  of 
industrial  education  as  applied  in  those  institutions  where 
mechanical  and  other  equipment  is  provided  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  recommend  that  this  practical  training  and  self- 
help  be  secured  for  those  who  desire  it,  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable. 

College  Extension  Courses. 

9.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  many  of  our  ministers  and 
laymen  who  find  it  impossible  to  go  away  to  school,  would 
be  glad  to  pursue  a  course  of  study,  and  in  view  of  the 
university  and  college  extension  movement  now  organized 
in  most  of  the  schools  of  higher  education  in  our  land,  we 
recommend : 

(1)  That  all  our  colleges  offer  such  non-resident  courses 
of  study  as  they  may  be  able  to  teach,  for  the  aid  and  en- 
couragement of  the  above-named  class  of  students. 

(2)  That  these  students  be  examined  thoroughly  on 
their  courses  of  study,  and  that  suitable  diplomas  be  award- 
ed those  who  complete  their  work  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  respective  colleges. 

10.  We  recommend  that  our  institutions  of  learning  pro- 
vide such  instruction  as  shall  prepare  their  students  to  be- 
come leaders  of  song  in  church  and  Sunday  school. 

11.  We  recommend  that  our  institutions  of  learning  give 
greater  emphasis  to  the  training  of  their  young  people  for 
different  phases  of  religious  work. 

Section  IV. 

UNION   BIBLICAL   SEMINARY. 

1.  This  institution  of  sacred  learning,  located  at  Day- 
ton, Ohio,  is  maintained  by  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ 
for  the  purpose  of  educating  persons  called  of  God  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry  and  the  spread  of  the  gospel  of  Christ 
among  men.  It  shall  be  under  the  control  of  the  General 
Conference  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  by  which  its 
board  of  directors  shall  be  elected  at  each  quadrennial 
session. 


EDUCATION  137 

Officers. 

2.  The  officers  of  the  Seminary  shall  consist  of  a  busi- 
ness manager  and  a  board  of  directors,  who  shall  be  elected 
by  the  General  Conference.  The  board  of  directors  shall  be 
composed  of  not  less  than  nine  members,  and  may  have 
three  additional  members  at  large,  to  be  elected  by  the 
board  of  directors,  at  their  option,  for  a  term  not  extend- 
ing beyond  that  of  the  ensuing  General  Conference,  and  the 
bishops  of  the  Church,  who  shall  be  considered  ex  officio 
members ;  provided,  always,  that  a  majority  of  the  direc- 
tors shall  be  bona  fide  residents  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 

Duties  of  Directors. 

3.  The  board  of  directors  shall  meet  on  the  call  of  the 
senior  bishop  immediately  after  their  election,  and  organize 
by  electing  a  president  and  secretary.  They  shall  meet  an- 
nually in  the  Seminary  building  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  elect  the 
necessary  faculty,  review  the  work  of  the  business  mana- 
ger and  the  faculty,  determine  the  salaries  of  the  faculty, 
and  adopt  measures  for  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of 
the  institution. 

4.  The  board  of  directors  may  fill  any  vacancy  caused 
by  the  resignation,  removal,  or  refusal  to  serve  of  the  busi- 
ness manager  or  trustees. 

5.  The  board  shall  annually  elect  an  executive  committee 
of  five  persons,  who  shall  meet  on  the  call  of  the  business 
manager  or  its  chairman,  and  direct  in  the  execution  of  or- 
ders and  plans  of  the  board  of  directors. 

6.  The  board  of  directors  vshall  make  to  the  General  Con- 
ference a  report  of  its  work,  giving  such  facts  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Seminary  as  it  may  deem  of  importance. 

Business  Manager. 

7.  Tlie  business  manager  shall  reside  in  Dayton.  Ohio, 
and  shall  manage  the  assets  under  the  direction  of  the  ex- 
ecutive committee,  have  charge  of  all  the  property,  and 
manage  the  business  of  the  institution.  He  shall  solicit, 
and,  with  the  consent  and  approval  of  the  board  of  direc- 
tors, or  executive  committee,  employ  others  to  solicit  con- 
tributions to  the  Seminary.  In  the  name  of  the  Union 
Biblical  Seminary,  and  under  its  corporate  seal,  the  busi- 
ness manager  shall  execute  all  deeds  of  transfer  and  other 
legal  documents  which  may  be  authorized  by  the  board  of 

10 


138  DISCIPLINE 

directors  of  its  executive  committee.  He  shall  report  to 
the  board  of  directors  annually,  and  to  the  General  Con- 
ference, an  account  of  all  receipts  and  expenditures,  and 
the  standing  and  efficiency  of  the  institution,  with  any 
other  important  facts  or  recommendations. 

The  Custodian  of  Funds. 

8.  The  General  Church  Treasurer  shall  receive  and  dis- 
burse on  order  the  funds  of  the  Seminary. 

Endowment  and  Other  Funds. 

9.  All  moneys  or  values  of  any  kind  given  to  the  Semi- 
nary as  an  endowment  shall  'be  held  sacred  as  a  permanent 
fund  and  securely  invested,  the  interest  only  to  be  used  in 
the  maintenance  of  the  Seminary.  All  other  funds  shall 
be  used  as  the  interests  of  the  Seminary  may  require  or  as 
the  donors  may  direct. 

Annual  Collections. 

10.  The  annual  apportionment  to  the  whole  number  of 
annual  conferences  for  the  benefit  of  the  Seminary  shall 
be  $8,000.  This  amount  shall  be  apportioned  by  the  board 
of  directors  to  the  several  annual  conferences,  and  by  the 
conferences  apportioned  to  the  several  charges,  to  be  col- 
lected by  the  pastors  and  reported  to  their  respective  con- 
ferences ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  bishop 
to  see  that  the  full  amount  of  the  assessment  is  properly 
apportioned  to  the  respective  charges.  Ten  per  cent,  of 
the  funds  thus  secured  may  be  used  for  the  support  of  the 
library  in  the  Seminary. 

Obligation  of  Faculty. 

11.  Each  professor  chosen  to  a  chair  in  the  Seminary 
shall,  upon  the  day  of  his  inauguration,  publicly  subscribe 
to  the  following  declaration  of  faith  and  obligation  : 

I  solemnly  declare,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  the  officers 
of  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  that  I  believe  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, Old  and  New  Testaments,  to  be  the  inspired  Word  of 
God,  and,  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  only  perfect  rule  of 
faith  and  practice.  I  believe  the  Confession  of  Faith,  as 
contained  in  the  thirteen  articles  in  our  Book  of  Discipline, 
to  be  a  truthful  consensus  of  the  fundamental  doctrines  of 
the  Bible.  I  believe  that  the  system  of  church  govern- 
ment, as  presented  in  the  Book  of  Discipline  of  the  United 


EDUCATION  139 

Brethren  in  Christ,  is  consistent  with  the  teachings  of  the 
sacred  Scriptures,  and  I  solemnly  promise  that  I  will  not 
teach  or  insinuate  anything  that  shall  in  any  way  be  in- 
consistent with  the  foregoing  declaration,  or  that  is  not  in 
harmony  with  the  Constitution  and  Confession  of  Faith 
and  the  rules  of  the  Church  as  set  forth  in  the  Discipline  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  I  also  promise,  by  divine 
assistance,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  to  sustain  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  thus  set  forth  by  the 
Church,  in  opposition  to  all  forms  of  error,  as  long  as  I 
shall  remain  a  professor  in  this  institution. 

[Name] 

Entrance  Eccainination. 

12.  The  faculty  may  require  candidates  for  admission 
to  the  Seminary  to  pass  any  examinations  deemtcd  necessary 
to  determine  their  fitness,  and  arrange  for  examinations  in 
the  respective  conferences  without  expense  to  candidates. 

Postgraduate  Studies. 

13.  The  faculty  may  arrange  postgraduate  courses  of 
reading  to  cover  one,  two,  and  three  years,  for  the  suc- 
cessful completion  of  which  appropriate  seals  shall  be  placed 
upon  the  diplomas  of  alumni.  The  examination  shall  be  by 
correspondence,  or  otherwise,  as  the  faculty  may  arrange. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

Historical  Society. 
Section  I. 

GENERAL    CONFERENCE    APPROVAL. 

1.  The  Historical  Society  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  located  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  having  for  its 
object  the  collecting  and  preserving  of  papers,  records, 
books,  and  other  materials  bearing  upon  the  history  of  the 
Church,  has  the  recognition  of  the  General  Conference. 

2.  Said  society  shall,  thro«ngh  its  officers,  make  quad- 
rennial reports  to  the  General  Conference. 

Section   II. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

name. 

The  name  of  this  society  shall  be,  The  Historical  Society 
of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  II. 

OBJECT. 

Its  object  shall  be,  to  collect  and  preserve  information 
in  connection  with  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ ;  also,  objects  of  curiosity 
and  interest,  in  the  form  of  manuscripts,  books,  pamphlets, 
medals,  portraits,  etc. 

Article  III. 

location. 

The  business  headquarters,  the  museum,  and  library  of 
the  society  shall  be  located  in  Dayton,  Ohio. 

140 


HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  141 

Article  IV. 

MEMBERS. 

Section  1.  Any  person  approved  by  the  board  of  man- 
agers may  become  a  member  upon  the  payment  of  an 
initiatory  fee  of  one  dollar,  and  may  retain  membership  by 
contributing  one  dollar  annually  thereafter.  In  case  of 
failure  to  pay  fees  within  six  months  after  they  are  due, 
membership  shall  be  forfeited. 

Sec.  2.  Any  person  approved  by  the  board  of  managers 
may,  by  the  payment  of  ten  dollars,  become  a  life  member, 
and  shall  be  exempt  from  the  payment  of  the  annual  fee. 

Sec.  3.  The  board  of  mangers  shall  have  power  to  ap- 
point a  corresponding  member  within  each  of  the  annual 
conferences  of  the  Church  ;  but,  at  the  request  of  the  board 
of  managers,  a  corresponding  member  may  be  elected  by  an 
annual  conference.  Other  corresponding  members  may  be 
elected  by  the  board,  at  their  option. 

Sec.  4.  Any  person  considered  worthy  of  the  honor  may, 
by  the  board  of  managers,  be  elected  to  honorary  member- 
ship, without  fees. 

Article  V. 

officers. 

Section  1.  The  officers  shall  consist  of  a  president,  first, 
second,  and  third  vice-presidents,  secretary,  treasurer,  li- 
brarian, and  a  board  of  managers  consisting  of  these  offi- 
cers and  eight  other  members. 

Sec.  2.  These  officers  shall  be  elected  at  each  regular 
annual  meeting,  and  shall  serve  until  their  successors  have 
been  duly  elected. 

Sec.  3.  The  election  of  officers  shall  be  conducted  by 
ballot,  unless  there  be  but  one  nomination,  in  which  case 
the  election  shall  be  by  acclamation. 

Sec,  4.  In  voting  by  ballot,  no  votes  shall  be  counted 
except  those  cast  by  members  present  at  the  meeting,  for 
persons  nominated,  and  a  majority  of  all  votes  cast  shall 
be  necessary  to  election. 

Sec.  5.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  power  to  fill 
vacancies. 

Article  VI. 

DUTIES    AND   PRIVILEGES   OF   MEMBERS. 

Section  1.     It  shall   be  the  duty  of  members  of  every 


142  DISCIPLINE 

class  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  society  in  every  way 
possible,  by  securing  for  the  society  such  information  and 
such  articles  as  will  be  of  value  in  accomplishing  the  pur- 
pose of  the  organization. 

Sec.  2.  xinnual  and  life  members  shall  be  entitled  to 
all  the  privileges  of  the  society,  including  admission  to  the 
museum  and  library.  Corresponding  and  honorary  mem- 
bers shall  be  entitled  to  admission  to  the  museum  and  li- 
brary. 

Article  VII. 

DUTIES    OF    OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  duties  of  the  president,  vice-presidents, 
secretary,  and  treasurer  shall  be  such  as  are  usually  per- 
formed by  these  officers. 

Sec.  2.  The  librarian  shall  be  the  custodian  of  the  prop- 
.erty  of  the  society,  and  shall  manage  it  according  to  the 
rules  adopted  by  the  board  of  managers. 

Sec.  3.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  charge  of  all 
the  interests  of  the  society  in  the  interim  of  the  annual 
meetings.  They  shall  meet  quarterly.  Special  meetings 
may  be  called  by  the  president.  Five  shall  constitute  a 
quorum. 

Sec.  4.  The  treasurer,  librarian,  and  board  of  man- 
agers shall  render  reports  to  the  society  at  the  annual  meet- 
ing. 

Article  VIII. 

property. 

.  All  the  property  of  the  society,  except  its  funds,  shall  be 
deposited  in  a  room  or  rooms  provided  for  the  purpose,  and 
shall  be  open  for  the  inspection  of  the  members  of  the  so- 
ciety and  others,  under  such  restrictions  and  regulations  as 
may  be  adopted  by  the  board  of  managers ;  and  in  no  case 
shall  any  article  of  any  kind  be  removed  from  the  museum 
or  depository,  except  by  order  of  the  board  of  managers, 
and  then  only  for  a  limited  time.  The  depository  shall  con- 
tain, under  the  same  restrictions  and  regulations,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  members,  a  library,  to  be  formed  as  rapidly 
as  circumstances  will  permit. 


HISTORICAL   SOCIKL.  14  o 

Article  IX. 

FUNDS. 

Section  1.  All  funds,  after  necessary  expenses  are  paid, 
shall  be  appropriated  to  the  enlargement  and  preservation 
of  the  museum  and  library. 

Sec.  2.  All  bequests  of  money  made  to  the  society  shall 
be  funded  under  the  direction  of  the  board  of  managers,  and 
the  interest  thereof  used  for  ordinary  expenses. 

Article  X. 

MEETINGS. 

The  society  shall  meet  annually  for  the  purpose  of  elect- 
ing officers  and  transacting  other  necessary  business. 
Twenty-five  shall  constitute  a  quorum.  The  time  of  meet- 
ing of  the  society  and  the  board  shall  be  determined  by  the 
board. 

Article  XI. 

J 

AMENDMENTS. 

This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  annual  meet- 
ing by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present,  provided 
that  the  proposed  amendment  shall  have  been  previously 
approved  by  the  board  of  managers,  and  published  in  the 
Religious  TclescopQ* 


PART  VII. 

Boundaries, 
chapter  xxv. 

Bishops'  Districts.* 
I.     East  District. 

Allegheny,  East  Pennsylvania,  Erie,  Pennsylvania,  Vir- 
ginia, West  Virginia,  East  Ohio,  Southeast  Ohio,  Miami, 
Ontario,  Germany,  West  Africa,  and  Porto  Rico. 

11,     Central  District. 

Sandusky,  Indiana,  White  River,  St.  Joseph,  Michigan, 
Ohio  German,  Upper  Wabash,  Lower  Wabash,  Northern 
Illinois,  Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota. 

III.     West  District. 

Iowa,  Des  Moines.  ^Missouri,  Northeast  Kansas,  Southwest 
Kansas,  Northwest  Kansas,  Neosho,  East  Nebraska,  West 
Nebraska,  North  Nebraska,  Colorado,  Oklahoma. 

IV.     Pacific  District. 

Oregon,  Columbia  River,  California,  Japan  Mission  Con- 
ference, China,  and  Philippine  Missions. 

V.     Southern  District. 

Kentucky,  East  Tennessee,  West  Tennessee,  Chickamauga, 
Louisiana,  and  Georgia. 

'  By  order  of  the  General  Conference  each  bishop  is  required  to 
reside  within  the  bounds  of  his  own  district. 


144 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 
Annual  Conference  Districts^ 

allegheny. 

1.  Beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Mercer  County, 
Pennsylvania  ;  thence  along  the  southern  line  of  Mercer  and 
Venango  counties  to  Clarion  County ;  thence  north  along 
the  eastern  line  of  Venango  County  to  Warren  County ; 
thence  along  the  southern  line  of  Warren,  McKean,  and 
Potter  counties ;  thence  north  along  the  eastern  line  of  Pot- 
ter County  to  the  New  York  State  line ;  thence  along  the 
State  line  between  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  to  the  north 
branch  of  the  Susquehanna  River ;  thence  along  the  west 
line  of  the  East  Pennsylvania  and  Pennsylvania  confer- 
ences to  the  State  of  INIaryland :  thence  along  the  south  line 
of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  southwest  corner  of  the 
State ;  thence  along  the  State  line  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

SOUTHWEST   KANSAS. 

2.  Beginning  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Cowell  County, 
Kansas,  and  running  due  north  to  and  including  Strong  City, 
Kansas ;  thence  Vv^est  to  the  Colorado  State  line ;  thence 
south  to  the  south  line  of  the  State  of  Kansas ;  thence  east 
along  the  south  line  of  Kansas  to  the  west  line  of  Neosho 
Conference ;  thence  north  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

CALIFORNIA. 

3.  Embraces  the  State  of  California. 

COLORADO. 

4.  Includes  the  States  of  Colorado,  Wyoming,  and  Utah. 

COLUMBIA    RIVER. 

5.  Beginning  on  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State  of 
Washington  ;  thence  south  along  the  Cascade  Mountains  to 
the  Columbia  River  ;  thence  up  the  Columliia  River  to  the 
mouth  of  the  John  Day  River ;  thence  south  along  said  river 

145 


146  DISCIPLINE 

to  its  source ;  thence  east  to  the  Oregon  line,  including  all 
the  territory  of  Washington  and  Oregon  east  of  the  line  above 
given,  and  also  the  State  of  Idaho. 

DES    MOINES. 

6.  Embraces  all  that  part  of  the  State  of  Iowa  west  of 
the  Iowa  Conference  line. 

EAST   NEBRASKA. 

7.  Beginning  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Douglass  County, 
Nebraska ;  thence  west  to  the  Platte  River ;  thence  along 
said  river  to  the  West  Nebraska  Conference  line ;  thence 
south  on  said  line  to  the  southern  boundary  line  of  Ne- 
braska ;  thence  east  to  the  southeast  corner  of  said  State ; 
thence  north  along  the  east  line  of  said  State  to  the  point 
of  beginning.  The  town  of  Chester,  in  Thayer  County, 
Nebraska,  to  belong  to  Northwest  Kansas  Conference.  (Fre- 
mont, on  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad,  to  belong  to  North  Ne- 
braska Conference.) 

EAST   OHIO. 

8.  Beginning  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  State  of 
Ohio ;  thence  south  along  the  State  line  and  the  Ohio  River 
to  Marietta ;  thence  up  the  Muskingum  River  to  a  point  op- 
posite the  northwest  corner  of  Noble  County,  Ohio ;  then  due 
oast  to  said  northeast  corner  of  Noble  county ;  thence  north 
along  the  east  line  of  Muskingum  and  Guernsey  counties, 
Ohio ;  thence  west  along  the  north  line  of  Muskingum  and 
Licking  counties,  Ohio,  to  the  east  line  of  Delaware  County, 
Ohio  :  thence  west  from  this  point  to  Delaware,  Ohio  ;  thence 
north  along  the  eastern  boundary  of  Sandusky  Conference 
to  Sandusky  City,  Ohio  ;  thence  eastward  along  the  north- 
ern boundary  of  the  State  of  Ohio  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

EAST    TENNESSEE. 

0.  Embraces  all  the  territory  in  Tennessee  lying  east  of 
the  Cumberland  Mountains. 

EAST  PENNSYLVANIA. 
10.  Beginning  at  the  northeast  boundary  of  the  State  of 
New  Jersey  on  the  Atlantic  Coast ;  thence  along  the  said 
boundary  line  and  the  Delaware  River  to  the  northern  bound- 
ary of  Pennsylvania ;  thence  westward  along  said  boundary  to 
the  north  branch  of  the  Susquehanna  River;  thence  along 


ANNUAL   CONFERENCE   DISTRICTS  147 

said 'river  to  the  junction  ol  the  north  and  v^'est  branches  of 
the  Susquehanna  River ;  thence  southward  along  the  east 
shore  of  the  Su«quehaiina  River  and  the  Chesapealie  Bay  to 
the  Atlantic  Ocean ;  thence  northward  along  the  Atlantic 
Coast  to  the  place  of  beginning.  Said  conference  shall  be 
the  legal  successor  of  Eastern  Conference  and  East  Penn- 
sylvania Conference.  All  rights,  interests,  bequests,  and  obli- 
iTiitions  of  said  conferences  shall  inhere  in  the  said  East 
Pennsylvania  Conference. 

ERIE. 

11.  Beginning  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  at  the  northwest 
corner  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  ;  thence  south  along  the 
State  line  between  Ohio_  and  Pennsylvania  to  the  southwest 
corner  of  Mercer  County,  Pennsylvania ;  thence  east  with 
the  line  as  described  in  the  bounding  of  Allegheny  Confer- 
ence to  the  New  York  State  line,  and  including  the  State  of 
New  York  and  all  that  part  of  Pennsylvania  embraced  within 
the  above-described  limits ;  provided,  that  Orangeville  Cir- 
cuit be  included  in  Erie  Conference. 

GEORGIA. 

12.  Georgia  Conference  embraces  all  the  States  of  Geor- 
gia and  Florida. 

GERMANY. 

13.  Embracing  all  the  territory  occupied  by  our  missions 
in  Germany. 

INDIANA. 

14.  Beginning  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Franklin  Coun- 
ty, Indiana  ;  thence  along  the  line  of  White  River  Confer- 
ence to  Gosport,  Indiana  ;  thence  southwest  along  the  line 
of  the  Indianapolis  &  Vincennes  Railroad  to  tlie  north  line 
of  Congressional  Township  number  nine  (9)  north  ;  thence 
due  west  along  said  township  line  to  the  northwest  corner  of 
Sullivan  County,  Indiana,  the  Beach  Circuit  to  belong  to  the 
Indiana  Conference;  thence  down  the  Wabash  River  to  the 
mouth  of  said  river ;  thence  up  the  Ohio  River  to  the  mouth 
of  the  Great  Miami  River ;  thence  along  thj  State  line  be- 
tween Ohio  and  Indiana  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

IOWA. 

15.  Embraces  all  that  part  of  tlie  State  of  Iowa  east  of 
the  following  boundary  line :  Beginning  at  northwest  corner 
of  Winnebago  County  ;  thence  south  to  the  southwest  corner 


148  DISCIPLINE 

of  Wright  County ;  thence  east  to  the  northwest  corner  of 
Hardin  County ;  thence  south  along  the  county  line  to  the 
north  line  of  Story  County  ;  thence  east  to  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  Marshall  County ;  thence  south  to  the  southeast  cor- 
ner of  Jasper  County ;  thence  west  to  the  southwest  corner 
of  Jasper  County ;  thence  south  to  the  Chicago,  Burlington  & 
Quincy  Railroad ;  thence  west  along  said  railroad  ^to  the 
west  line  of  Lucas  County  ;  thence  south  to  the  State  line. 

JAPAN. 

16.  Embraces  the  territory  in  Japan  occupied  by  the 
General  Board  of  Missions. 

KENTUCKY. 

17.  Kentucky  Conference  embraces  all  the  State  of  Ken- 
tucky except  Covington  and  Nev/port,  which  belong  to  Miami 
Conference. 

LOUISIANA. 

18.  Embraces  the  States  of  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  and 
Alabama. 

LOWER   WABASH. 

19.  Beginning  at  Gosport,  Indiana ;  thence  along  the 
Monon  Railroad  to  Greencastle ;  thence  with  the  Indian- 
apolis &;  Terre  Haute  Railroad,  including  Knightsville  and 
Terre  Haute,  to  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  up  said  river  to 
the  mouth  of  Bruletts  Creek ;  thence  up  said  creek  to  Cherry 
Point ;  thence  west  on  the  Indianapolis,  Decatur  &  Spring- 
field Railroad  to  and  including  Tuscola ;  thence  north  by 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  to  Tolona ;  thence  with  the 
described  boundary  of  the  Northern  Illinois  Conference  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Illinois  River;  thence  down  the  Mississippi 
River  to  Cairo,  Illinois ;  thence  up  the  Ohio  River  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  up  said  river  to  the 
northwest  corner  o^  Sullivan  County,  Indiana ;  thence  east- 
ward along  the  boundary  line  of  the  Indiana  Conference  to 
Gosport,  Indiana,  the  place  of  beginning. 

MIAMI. 

20.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  River; 
thence  north  along  the  western  boundary  of  the  State  of 
Ohio,  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Darke  County,  Ohio ;  thence 
eastward  along  the  Sandusky  Conference  line  to  Sidney, 
Ohio ;  thence  to  the  east  line  of  Champaign  County,  Ohio ; 


ANNUAL   CONFERENCE   DISTRICTS  149 

thence  southwest  along  the  east  line  of  the  counties  of 
Champaign,  Clarke,  and  Greene  to  the  north  line  of  Clinton 
County  ;  thence  west  on  the  north  line  of  Clinton  County 
to  the  northeast  corner  of  Warren  County  ;  thence  south  on 
the  east  line  of  Warren  County  to  the  north  line  of  Clermont 
County ;  thence  west  on  the  north  line  of  Clermont  County 
to  the  east  line  of  Hamilton  County  ;  thence  south  on  the 
east  line  of  Hamilton  County  to  the  Ohio  River ;  thence 
down  the  Ohio  River  to  the  place  of  beginning ;  provided, 
that  the  cities  of  Newport  and  Covington,  in  the  State  of 
Kentucky,  and  the  Rockdale  Church,  in  the  State  of  Indiana, 
shall  belong  to  the  Miami  Conference. 

MICHIGAN. 

21.  The  Michigan  Conference  embraces  all  of  the  State 
of  Michigan. 

MINNESOTA. 

22.  Embraces  all  of  the  State  of  Minnesota. 

MISSOURI 

23.  The  Missouri  Conference  embraces  the  State  of  Mis- 
souri. 

NEOSHO. 

24.  Beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Chautauqua 
County,  Kansas ;  thence  north  to  the  south  line  of  North- 
east Kansas  Conference ;  thence  due  east  to  the  State  line ; 
thence  to  the  southeast  corner  of  Indian  Territory ;  thence 
west  on  the  Territory  line  to  the  town  of  Colbert,  on  the 
Red  River ;  thence  north  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

NORTHEAST   KANSAS. 

25.  Beginning  at  the  center  of  the  north  line  of  Wash- 
ington County,  Kansas  ;  thence  due  south  to  the  Republican 
River ;  thence  down  said  river  to  its  mouth  ;  thence  south 
to  the  north  line  of  Arkansas  Valley  Conference ;  thence 
east  to  the  State  line ;  thence  north  to  the  north  line  of 
the  State;  thence  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

NORTHERN   ILLINOIS. 

26.  Beginning  at  Rapids  City,  on  the  Mississippi  River; 
thence  south  along  the  Mississippi  River  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Illinois  River ;  thence  east  to  Vandalia ;  thence  up  the  Okaw 
River  to  Shelbyville ;  thence  along  the  line  of  the  Chicago 
&  Eastern  Illinois  Railroad  to  Sullivan  ;  thence  north  along 
the     Wabash     Railroad     to     Bement ;     thence     east     along 


148  DISCIPLINE 

of  Wright  County ;  thence  east  to  the  northwest  corner  of 
Hardin  County ;  thence  south  along  the  county  line  to  the 
north  line  of  Story  County ;  thence  east  to  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  Marshall  County ;  thence  south  to  the  southeast  cor- 
ner of  Jasper  County ;  thence  west  to  the  southwest  corner 
of  Jasper  County ;  thence  south  to  the  Chicago,  Burlington  & 
Quincy  Railroad ;  thence  west  along  said  railroad  ^to  the 
west  line  of  Lucas  County  ;  thence  south  to  the  State  line. 

JAPAN. 

16.  Embraces  the  territory  in  Japan  occupied  by  the 
General  Board  of  Missions. 

KENTUCKY. 

17.  Kentucky  Conference  embraces  all  the  State  of  Ken- 
tucky except  Covington  and  Newport,  w^hich  belong  to  Miami 
Conference. 

LOUISIANA. 

18.  Embraces  the  States  of  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  and 
Alabama. 

LOWER  WABASH. 

19.  Beginning  at  Gosport,  Indiana ;  thence  along  the 
Monon  Railroad  to  Greencastle ;  thence  with  the  Indian- 
apolis &  Terre  Haute  Railroad,  including  Knightsville  and 
Terre  Haute,  to  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  up  said  river  to 
the  mouth  of  Bruletts  Creek ;  thence  up  said  creek  to  Cherry 
Point ;  thence  west  on  the  Indianapolis,  Decatur  &  Spring- 
field Railroad  to  and  including  Tuscola ;  thence  north  by 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  to  Tolona ;  thence  with  the 
described  boundary  of  the  Northern  Illinois  Conference  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Illinois  River;  thence  down  the  Mississippi 
River  to  Cairo,  Illinois ;  thence  up  the  Ohio  River  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  up  said  river  to  the 
northwest  corner  o^  Sullivan  County,  Indiana ;  thence  east- 
ward along  the  boundary  line  of  the  Indiana  Conference  to 
Gosport,  Indiana,  the  place  of  beginning. 

MIAMI. 

20.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  River; 
thence  north  along  the  western  boundary  of  the  State  of 
Ohio,  to  the  northAvest  corner  of  Darke  County,  Ohio ;  thence 
eastward  along  the  Sandusky  Conference  line  to  Sidney, 
Ohio ;  thence  to  the  east  line  of  Champaign  County,  Ohio ; 


ANNUAL   CONFERENCE   DISTRICTS  149 

thence  southwest  along  the  east  line  of  the  counties  of 
Champaign,  Clarke,  and  Greene  to  the  north  line  of  Clinton 
County ;  thence  west  on  the  north  line  of  Clinton  County 
to  the  northeast  corner  of  Warren  County  ;  thence  south  on 
the  east  line  of  Warren  County  to  the  north  line  of  Clermont 
County ;  thence  west  on  the  north  line  of  Clermont  County 
to  the  east  line  of  Hamilton  County ;  thence  south  on  the 
east  line  of  Hamilton  County  to  the  Ohio  River ;  thence 
clown  the  Ohio  River  to  the  place  of  beginning ;  provided, 
that  the  cities  of  Newport  and  Covington,  in  the  State  of 
Kentucky,  and  the  Rockdale  Church,  in  the  State  of  Indiana, 
shall  belong  to  the  Miami  Conference. 

MICHIGAN. 

21.  The  Michigan  Conference  embraces  all  of  the  State 
of  Michigan. 

MINNESOTA. 

22.  Embraces  all  of  the  State  of  Minnesota. 

MISSOURI 

23.  The  Missouri  Conference  embraces  the  State  of  Mis- 
souri. 

NEOSHO. 

24.  Beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Chautauqua 
County,  Kansas  ;  thence  north  to  the  south  line  of  North- 
east Kansas  Conference ;  thence  due  east  to  the  State  line ; 
thence  to  the  southeast  corner  of  Indian  Territory ;  thence 
west  on  the  Territory  line  to  the  town  of  Colbert,  on  the 
Red  River ;  thence  north  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

NORTHEAST   KANSAS. 

25.  Beginning  at  the  center  of  the  north  line  of  Wash- 
ington County,  Kansas ;  thence  due  south  to  the  Republican 
River ;  thence  down  said  river  to  its  mouth  ;  thence  south 
to  the  north  line  of  Arkansas  Valley  Conference ;  thence 
east  to  the  State  line ;  thence  north  to  the  north  line  of 
the  State;  thence  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

NORTHERN   ILLINOIS. 

26.  Beginning  at  Rapids  City,  on  the  Mississippi  River; 
thence  south  along  the  Mississippi  River  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Illinois  River ;  thence  east  to  Vandalia  ;  thence  up  the  Okaw 
River  to  Shelbyville  ;  thence  along  the  line  of  the  Chicago 
&  Eastern  Illinois  Railroad  to  Sullivan ;  thence  north  along 
the     Wabash     Railroad     to     Bement ;     thence     east    along 


150  DISCIPLINE 

the  Wabash  Raih*oad  to  Toloiia ;  thence  north  along  the 
Illinois  Central  Railroad  to  Kankakee ;  thence  east  to  the 
Illinois  State  line ;  thence  north  to  the  northeast  corner  of 
Illinois ;  thence  west  to  the  northvv^est  corner  of  Illinois ; 
thence  south  along  the  Illinois  State  line  to  the  place  of 
beginning.  All  rights,  interests,  bequests,  and  obligations  of 
the  Central  Illinois  and  Rock  River  conferences  to  inhere 
in  said  Northern  Illinois  Conference.  The  Allenville  church, 
in  Coles  County,  Illinois,  is  also  included  within  the  bounds 
of  this  conference. 

NORTH   NEBRASKA. 

27.  This  conference  embraces  all  that  part  of  the  State 
of  Nebraska  which  lies  east  and  north  of  the  following 
boundary  line,  to  wit :  Beginning  with  the  north  line  of 
Town  twenty-four  in  Nebraska,  thence  east  on  said  line  to 
the  source  of, Cedar  River;  thence  down  said  river  to  Puller- 
ton  ;  thence  south  to  the  Platte  River ;  thence  east  along  the 
Platte  River  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Douglas  County, 
Nebraska ;  thence  east  along  the  north  boundary  line  of  said 
county  to  the  northeast  corner  of  said  county,  and  all  the 
State  of  South  Dakota. 

NORTHWEST   KANSAS. 

28.  Beginning  on  the  northern  boundary  of  Kansas  at 
the  center  of  Washington  County ;  thence  south  to  the 
Republican  River ;  thence  down  said  river  to  its  mouth ; 
thence  due  south  to  the  north  line  of  Southwest  Kansas  Con- 
ference ;  thence  west  to  the  Colorado  line ;  thence  north  to 
the  Nebraska  line ;  thence  east  to  the  place  of  beginning. 
That  Chester,  in  Thayer  County,  Nebraska,  belong  to  North- 
v/est  Kansas  Conference. 

OHIO   GERMAN. 

29.  Embraces  the  States  of  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Indiana, 
and  Illinois.  Permission  is  also  granted  to  go  into  any  of 
the  Western  States  or  Territories,  where  doors  of  usefulness 
may  be  open  to  labor  among  the  German  population. 

OKLAHOMA. 

30.  The  Oklahoma  Conference  shall  embrace  all  the  Ter- 
ritory of  Oklahoma,  and  that  part  of  the  Indian  Territory 
lying  south  of  the  Arkansas  River.  It  shall  also  include  the 
city  of  Tulsa.  n 


ANNUAL   CONFERENCE   DISTRICTS  151 

ONTARIO. 

31.  Embraces  all  the  Province  of  Ontario,  Manitoba,  and 
northwest  provinces  and  territories. 

OREGON. 

32.  Embraces  in  its  territory  all  tlie  States  of  Oregon 
and  Washington  not  occupied  by  the  Columbia  River  Con- 
ference. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

33.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Juniata  River ;  thence 
along  said  river  westward  to  Newport,  PennsylvaHia  ;  thence 
along  the  Shiremau's  Valley  Railroad  to  Loysville ;  thence 
southward  to  a  spur  of  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains,  extending 
northward  into  Perry  County,  Pennsylvania ;  thence  south- 
ward along  the  crest  of  said  mountain,  forming  the  northern 
boundary  of  the  Cumberland  Valley,  to  the  State  of  Mary- 
land ;  thence  westward  along  the  Pennsylvania  and  Mary- 
land State  lines  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Washington  Coun- 
ty, Maryland ;  thence  southvrard  along  the  western  boundary 
of  said  county  to  the  Potomac  River ;  thence  along  said  river 
to  the  Chesapeake  Bay ;  thence  eastward  along  the  coast  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Susquehanna  River  ;  thence  northward  along 
said  river  to  the  place  of  beginning.  Said  conference  shall  be 
the  legal  successor  of  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland  confer- 
ences. All  rights,  interests,  bequests,  and  obligations  be- 
longing to  said  conference  shall  inhere  in  the  said  Pennsyl- 
vania Conference. 

SANDUSKY. 

34.  Beginning  at  Sandusky,  Ohio;  thence  south  along  the 
Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad  to  Shelby  Junction;  thence 
south  and  west  along  the  Big  Four  Railroad  to  Delaware 
and  Marysville,  Ohio ;  thence  west  along  the  south  line  of 
Logan  County  to  Sidney,  Ohio  ;  thence  west  on  a  straight 
line  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Darke  County,.  Ohio ;  thence 
west  to  the  west  line  of  the  State  of  Ohio;  thence  north 
along  the  State  line  to  the  northwest  corner  of  the  State 
line  of  Ohio ;  thence  east  to  Sandusky,  Ohio,  the  place  of  be- 
ginning. Sidney,  Gallon,  Shelby,  and  Chicago,  Ohio,  to  be- 
long to  the  Sandusky  Conference.  The  Sandusky  Confer- 
ence to  become  and  to  be  the  true  and  legal  successor  of 
Auglaize  and  North  Ohio  conferences,^  and  all  proportionate 

'The  journals  of  the  said  eonfcrencps  to  be  placed  in  the  Church 
Historical  Society  depository  at  the  United  Brethren  Publishing 
House. 


152  DISCIPLINE 

property  rights,  interests,  and  legacies  vested  in  the  said 
Auglaize,  North  Ohio,  and  Central  Ohio  conferences,  in  pro- 
portion to  the  membership  of  said  conferences  in  its  bounds, 
shall  inhere  in  the  said  Sandusky  Conference. 

SOUTHEAST   OHIO. 

35.  Beginning  at  Delaware,  Ohio ;  thence  along  the 
boundary  line  of  East  Ohio  Conference  in  a  southeasterly 
direction  to  Marietta,  Ohio ;  thence  down  the  Ohio  River 
to  the  east  line  of  Hamilton  County,  Ohio ;  thence  to  the 
northwest  corner  of  Clermont  County ;  thence  along  the 
north  line  of  Clermont  County  to  the  east  line  of  Warren 
County,  Ohio ;  thence  northward  on  the  east  line  of  the 
counties  of  Warren,  Greene,  Clarke,  and  Champaign  to  the 
south  line  of  Sandusky  Conference ;  thence  eastward  along 
said  line  to  Delaware,  Ohio,  the  place  of  beginning.  Said 
conference  to  be  the  legal  successor  of  Scioto  and  Central 
Ohio  conferences.  All  rights,  interests,  and  bequests  of  said 
conferences  within  these  bounds  shall  inhere  in  the  said 
Southeast  Ohio  Conference. 

ST.    JOSEPH. 

36.  Beginning  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  State  of 
Indiana ;  thence  west  along  the  northern  boundary  of  said 
State  to  Michigan  City,  Indiana ;  thence  southward  along 
the  Monon  Railroad  to  Lafayette,  all  towns  along  the  line 
of  said  railroad  to  belong  to  St.  Joseph  Conference,  except 
Battleground  and  Brookston ;  thence  along  the  Lake  Erie 
&  Western  Railroad,  including  the  towns  of  Jefferson  and 
Frankfort,  and  the  Newcomer  Church,  to  Frankfort,  In- 
diana ;  thence  along  the  Clover  Leaf  Railroad  to  Kokomo, 
Kokomo  to  belong  to  White  River  Conference  :  thence  along 
the  Lake  Erie  &  Western  Railroad  to  Peru,  Indiana ;  thence 
up  the  Wabash  River  to  the  Ohio  State  line ;  thence  north 
on  said  line  to  the  northeast  corner  of  the  State  of  Indiana, 
the  place  of  beginning,  including  Adamsville  and  Kensing- 
ton appointments. 

WEST   TENNESSEE.  / 

.  37.  Embraces  all  the  territory  of  the  State  of  Tennes- 
see lying  west  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains. 

UPPER   WABASH. 

38.  Beginning  at  Lafayette,  Indiana;  thence  by  way 
of    the   Monon  Railroad    to    Michigan    City,    including    the 


ANNUAL   CONFERENCE  DISTRICTS  153 

towns  of  Battleground  and  Brookston,  and  Lowell's 
Cliapel ;  thence  west  to  the  Indiana  and  Illinois  State  line; 
thence  south  on  said  State  line  to  a  point  east  of  Kanka- 
kee, Illinois ;  thence  west  to  Kankakee ;  thence  south  along 
the  Chicago  Branch  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  to  Tus- 
cola, including  Tolona ;  thence  south  and  east  with  the  line 
of  the  Lower  Wabash  Conference  to  Gosport ;  thence  north- 
east along  the  line  of  the  Indianapolis  &  Vincenues  Kail- 
road  to  the  west  line  of  Marion  County,  Indiana ;  thence 
along  the  west  and  the  north  lines  of  Marion  County  to  the 
IMonon  Railroad ;  thence  along  the  Monon  Railroad  in  a 
northwest  direction  to  Frankfort,  Indiana  ;  thence  along  the 
Lake  Erie  &  Western  Railroad  to  Lafayette,  the  place  of 
beginning. 

VIRCxINIA. 

39.  The  Virginia  Conference  embraces  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia ;  also,  that  part  of  West  Virginia  lying  east  of  the 
west  boundary  lines  of  the  counties  of  Grant  and  Pendleton 
of  said  State ;  also,  Allegheny  County,  Maryland,  and  that 
part  of  Garrett  County,  Maryland,  lying  east  of  the  boun- 
dary of  West  Virginia  Conference.  (Tlie  Swanton  and  Beth- 
lehem churches  to  belong  to  West  Virginia  Conference.) 

WEST    AFRICA. 

40.  Embraces  all  the  territory  occupied  by  our  missions 
on  the  West  Coast  of  Africa. 

WEST   NEBRASKA. 

41.  Beginning  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Hamilton 
County ;  thence  south  to  the  Thayer  County  line ;  thence 
east  six  miles ;  thence  south  to  the  Nebraska  State  line ; 
thence  west  to  the  southwest  corner  of  the  State  of  Ne- 
braska ;  thence  north  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Perkins 
County,  Nebraska ;  thence  west  to  the  west  Nebraska  State 
line  ;  thence  north  to  the  line  of  the  North  Nebraska  Con- 
ference;  thence  east  and  south  along  the  boundary  of  said 
conference  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

WEST   VIRGINIA. 

42.  Beginning  with  the  summit  of  the  Allegheny  Moun- 
tains at  the  line  between  Pennsylvania  and  ^Maryland ; 
thence  along  the  summit  of  said  mountains  southwest  to 
the  Grant  County  line ;  thence  along  the  west  line  of  said 

11 


154  DISCIPLINE 

county  to  Pendleton  County ;  thence  along  the  west  line  of 
said  county  to  the  Virginia  State  line ;  thence  along  the 
State  line  to  the  Kentucky  State  line ;  thence  north  to  the 
Ohio  River ;  thence  with  said  river  to  the  Pennsylvania 
State  line ;  thence  east  on  said  line  to  the  place  of  begin- 
ning. 

WniTE  EIVER. 

43.  Beginning  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Franklin  Coun- 
ty, Indiana ;  thence  west  along  the  southern  bouadary  of 
Franklin  County  to  the  southwest  corner  of  said  county ; 
thence  westward  along  the  Big  Four  Railroad  by  way  of 
Greensburg  to  Columbus,  the  Columbus  charge  to  belong  to 
White  River  Conference ;  thence  westward  by  way  of  Nash- 
ville to  Bloomington,  Indiana ;  thence  along  the  Monon 
Railroad  to  Gosport,  Indiana ;  thence  along  the  Indianapolis 
&  Vincennes  Railroad  in  a  northeasterly  direction  to  the 
west  line  of  INIarion  County,  Indiana  :  thence  north  along  the 
west  line  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Marion  County ;  thence 
east  along  the  north  line  of  said  county  to  the  Monon  Rail- 
road ;  thence  along  the  Monon  Railroad  to  Frankfort,  Indi- 
ana ;  thence  along  the  St.  Joseph  Conference  line  by  way 
of  Kokomo  to  Peru ;  thence  up  the  Wabash  River  to  the 
Ohio  State  line ;  thence  south  to  the  southeast  corner  of 
Franklin  County,  Indiana,  the  place  of  beginning.  The 
Kokomo,  Wabash,  and  Geneva  charges  to  belong  to  the  White 
River  Conference. 

/  WISCONSIN. 

44.  Embraces  all  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

MISSION   DISTRICTS. 

CliicJx-amauga, 

(1)  Embraces  the  State  of  Tennessee  and  the  country 
south,  wherever  churches  are  organized  among  the  colored 
people.  An  enabling  act  is  hereby  passed  permitting  them 
to  become  a  conference  during  this  quadrennium. 

China. 

(2)  Embraces  the  territory  occupied  in  China  by  the 
Woman's  Missionary  Association. 


PART  VIII. 

Formulas  and  Forms. 

chapter  xxvii. 

Formulas. 
Section  I. 

RECEPTION    OF    MEMBERS.^ 

When  at  any  meeting  there  are  persons  fwho  desire  to  unite 

with   the    Church,   the   officiating   minister   shall   call   the 

applicants  forward  and  address  them  as  follows: 

Dear  Friends  :   Inasmuch  as  you  present  yourselves  for 

admission  into  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 

we  rejoice  with  you  that  through  the  grace  of  God  you  have 

been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth,   and  have  been 

made  partakers  of  his  great  salvation.     The  privileges  you 

seek  are  above  price,   and   the  duties  enjoined  are   solemn. 

It  is  proper  that  you  publicly  confess  your  faith  and  avow 

your  purpose  by  answering  the  following  questions : 

Questions  to  applicants : 

(1)  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God,  and 
that  therein  only  is  contained  the  knowledge  of  the  way  of 
salvation? 

(2)  Have  you  experienced  the  pardon  of  your  sins,  and 
have  you  now  peace  with  God? 

(3)  Are  you  determined  by  the  grace  of  God  to  follow 
Christ,  renouncing  the  world  and  all  ungodliness,  seeking  to 
lead  a  life  of  holiness  and  devotion  to  God  and  his  cause? 

(4)  Are  you  willing  to  be  governed  by  our  Church  Dis- 
cipline, and  will  you  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  gospel 
as  God  prospers  you? 

(5)  Have  you  been  baptized? 

» See  p.  19.  155 


156  DISCIPLINE 

//  the  answer  to  this  question  lie  in  the  negative,  then  the 
applicant  shall  he  instructed  to  attend  to  the  duty  as  soon 
as  practicable. 

Then  the  memhers  of  the  church  ivill  stand,  and  the  minister 
may  read  this  response  of  the  church: 

"We,  the  members  of  this  church,  do  cordially  receive  you 
into  our  communion  and  fellowship,  and  promise  to  walk 
with  yon  in  love,  and  to  watch  over  you,  instruct,  counsel, 
admonish,  and  cherish  you  with  all  long-suffering,  gentleness, 
and  love.  Dear  friends,  do  you  all  thus  covenant  before  the 
Lord?    If  so,  answer,  'We  do.'  " 


Section  II. 

THE   BAPTISM   OF   ADULTS. 

Our  Lord  commanded  his  apostles,  saying,  "Go  ye  there- 
fore and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit"  (Matt. 
28:  19).  On  the  day  of  Pentecost,  the  multitude,  under 
the  preaching  of  the  word,  "were  pricked  in  the  heart,  and 
said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the  Apostles,  Men  and 
brethren,  what  shall  we  do?  Then  Peter  said  unto  them, 
Repent,  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit"    (Acts  2:  37,  38). 

"Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  baptized: 
and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three 
thousand  souls"   (Acts  2:  41). 

Philip,  the  evangelist,  went  down  to  the  city  of  Samaria, 
and  preached  Christ  to  the  people.  And  "when  they  believed 
Philip  preaching  the  things  concerning  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they  were  baptized,  both  men 
and  women"   (Acts  8:  12). 

Dearly  beloved,  it  has  pleased  God,  in  his  infinite  mercy, 
to  awaken  you  to  a  sense  of  your  guilt  and  danger,  and  to 
lead  you,  as  we  humbly  trust,  to  repentance  and  faith  in  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  By  presenting  yourself  for  this  holy 
sacrament,  you  declare  your  purpose  to  lead  a  new  life,  and 
to  seek  an  inheritance  with  the  righteous  in  the  "house  not 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 

Do  you  then  solemnly  consecrate  yourself  to  Christ  and 
his  service ;  and  will  you  endeavor  henceforth  to  keep  God's 


FORMULAS  157 

holy  commandments  and  to  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days 
of  your  life?  if  so,  answer,  "I  will  endeavor  so  to  do,  the 
Lord  being  my  helper." 

The  minister  shall  then  haptise  the  candidate,  the  service  to 
he  concluded  toith  a  short  prayer  and  benediction. 


Section  III. 

THE    BAPTISM    OF    CHILDREN. 

"And  they  brought  young  children  to  him,  that  he  should 
touch  them :  and  his  disciples  rebuked  those  that  brought 
them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  displeased, 
and  said  unto  them,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto 
me,  and  forbid  them  not :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever  shall  not  receive 
the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter 
therein.  And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his  hands 
upon  them,  and  blessed  them"    (Mark  10:  13-16). 

In  presenting  this  child  for  baptism,  you  not  only  signify 
your  faitli  in  the  Christian  religion,  of  which  baptism  is 
an  ordinance,  but  also  your  desire  that  he  [or  she]  may 
early  know  and  follow  the  will  of  God,  may  live  and  die 
a  Christian,  and  attain  unto  everlasting  life. 

In  order  to  do  this,  it  will  be  your  duty  as  parents  [or 
guardians]  to  teach  him  [or  her]  early  the  fear  of  the 
Lord ;  to  watch  over  his  [or  her]  education,  that  he  [or 
she]  be  not  led  astray ;  to  direct  his  [or  her]  youthful  mind 
to  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  his  [or  her]  feet  to  the  sanctu- 
ary ;  to  restrain  him  [or  her]  from  evil  associates  and 
habits;  and  as  much  as  in  you  lies,  to  bring  him  [or  her] 
up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Will  you  endeavor  so  to  do,  by  the  help  of  God?  If  so, 
answer,  "I  will." 

The  minister  shall  then  baptize  tha  child,  repeating  the  full 
name  of  the  same,  saying: 

I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

All  to  be  folloioed  by  a  short  prayer  by  the  minister. 


158  DISCIPLINE 

Section  IV. 

THE  HOLY  COMMUNION. 

"He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men ;  a  man  of  sorrows, 
and  acquainted  with  grief :  and  we  liid  as  it  were  our  faces 
from  him ;  he  was  despised,  and  we  esteemed  him  not.  Sure- 
ly he  hath  born  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows :  yet 
we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten  of  God,  and  afflicted. 
But  he  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was  bruised 
for  our  iniquities :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon 
him;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed"  (Isa.  53  :  3-5). 

"And  when  the  hour  was  come,  he  sat  down  and  the  twelve 
apostles  with  him.  And  he  said  unto  them,.  With  desire 
I  have  desired  to  eat  this  passover  with  you  before  I  suffer : 
for  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  any  more  eat  thereof,  until  it 
be  fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  And  he  took  the  cup, 
and  gave  thanks,  and  said.  Take  this,  and  divide  it  among 
yourselves :  for  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  of  the  fruit 
of  the  vine,  until  the  kingdom  of  God  shall  come.  And  he 
took  bread,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gaVe  unto 
them,  saying.  This  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  you :  this 
do  in  remembrance  of  me.  Likewise  also  the  cup  after  sup- 
per, saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood, 
which  is  shed  for  you"    (Luke  22:  14-20). 

"For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  de- 
livered unto  you,  that  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed  took  bread :  and  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat :  this  is  my  body, 
which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had 
supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my 
blood:  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of 
me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup, 
ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come"  (I.  Cor,  11: 
23-26). 

As  many  of  you  as  truly  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  are 
now  invited  to  draw  near,  and  humbly  receive  these  elements 
in  memory  of  the  suffering  and  death  of  your  Lord  and  Sav- 
iour. 

Singing. 

Prayer. 

Administration  of  the  elements. 


FORMULAS  159 

Section  V. 
Ordination  of  Elders. 

[On  the  day  appointed  for  ordination  services  a  suitable  sermon 
shall  be  preached,  whenever  practicable.  The  officiating  bishop 
(or  elder  in  the  absence  of  a  bishop)  shall  call,  if  they  be  present, 
one  or  more  elders  to  assist  him  in  the  ceremonies  of  ordination.] 

1.     ADDRESS  TO  THE  CANDIDATES. 

After  the  names  of  the  candidates  have  h&en  read  aloud, 
the  bishop  (or  elder)  shall  address  them  as  follows: 
An  elder  "must  be  blameless,  as  the  steward  of  God ;  not 
selfwilled,  not  soon  angry,  not  given  to  wine,  no  striker, 
not  given  to  filthy  lucre :  but  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover 
of  good  men,  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate ;  holding  fast  the 
faithful  word  as  he  hath  been  taught,  that  he  may  be  able 
by  sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the  gain- 
sayers"   (Tit.  1:  7-9). 

Are  3^ou  assured  that  you  are  inwardly  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  to  take  upon  you  the  office  of  the  ministry  to 
serve  God  in  the  church  of  Christ  to  the  honor  and  glory  of 
his  holy  name?     If  so,  answer,  "I  trust  I  am." 

Do  you  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures,  Old  and  New  Tes- 
taments?    If  so,  answer,  "I  do  believe  them." 

Will  you  apply  due  diligence  to  frame  and  fashion  your 
life  according  to  the  doctrines  of  Christ,  and  to  make  your- 
self, as  much  as  in  you  lies,  a  wholesome  example  to  the 
flock  of  Christ?  If  so,  answer,  "I  will,  the  Lord  being  my 
helper." 

Will  you  loyally  maintain  the  doctrines  and  polity  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  devote  your- 
self with  all  possible  zeal  and  faithfulness  to  the  extension 
of  the  Master's  kingdom  in  whatever  field  you  may  be  as- 
signed from  time  to  time  in  the  ministerial  service?  If  so, 
answer,  *'I  will  endeavor,  through  the  grace  of  God,  to  do 
so." 

2.     PRAYER. 

By  the  officiating  hishop. 

3.     CHARGE  TO  THE  CANDIDATES. 

After  the  prayer  the  hishop  and  elders  shall  lay  their  hands 
upon  the  heads   of  each  of  them,   and   the   "bishop   shall 
say: 
Take   thou    authority   to   execute    the   ofBce   of   an    elder 


160  LISCIPLINE 

in  the  church  of  God,   in.  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit,    Amen. 

Hereupon  the  hisliop  or  elder  shall  deliver  to  each  of  them 
the  Holy  Bible,  saying: 

Take  thou  authority  to  preach  the  word  of  God  and  to  ad- 
minister the  ordinances  in  the  church  of  Christ. 

4.     PKAYER. 

By  the  hishop  or  one  of  the  elders. 

5.     SCKIPTURE   ADMONITION. 

After  the  prayer  the  hishop  shall  read  Luke  12:  35-38. 

"Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lights  burn- 
ing ;  and  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that  wait  for  their 
lord,  when  he  will  return  from  the  wedding ;  that  when  he 
Cometh  and  knocketh,  they  may  open  unto  him  immediately. 
Blessed  are  those  servants  whom  the  lord  when  he  cometh 
shall  find  watching;  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  he  shall 
gird  himself,  and  make  them  to  sit  down  to  meat,  and  will 
come  forth  and  serve  them.  And  if  he  shall  come  in  the 
second  watch,  or  come  in  the  third  watch,  and  find  them 
so,  blessed  are  those  servants." 

C.     BENEDICTION. 

The  following  henediciion,  is  to  he  pronounced: 

The  peace  of  God  keep  your  hearts  ana  minds  in  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Section  VI. 

LAYING    COPvNEH-STONE. 

The  oHiciating  minister  shall* say: 

Beloved  :  In  ancient  time  God  commanded  his  servant 
Moses  to  set  up  the  tabernacle  in  the  wilderness,  and  be- 
stowed his  blessing  upon  Solomon,  the  king,  in  erecting  the 
temple  in  Jerusalem,  whither  the  tribes  came  up  to  worship. 
In  like  manner  he  has  moved  your  hearts  to  erect  a  sanctu- 
ary, where,  in  years  to  come,  his  people  may  assemble  for 


roK:MULAS  101 

praj'er  and  praise.     We  have  met  together  at  this  time  to 
lay  the  corner-stone  with  proper  religious  serviros. 

The  folloicing  order  of  services  may  then  he  ohccrved: 

1.  Sillying. 

2.  Reading  of  Scripture.     (Ps.  132;  I.  Cor.  3:  8-23.) 

3.  Prayer. 
If.  Singing. 

5.  Sermon  or  address. 

6.  Collection. 

7.  Laying  of  stone. 

The  minister,  standing  hy  the  stone,  shall  exhibit  the  hox  to 
he  deposited,  and  read  tlie  list  of  contents.  Then  the 
minister,  assisted  hy  the  huilder,  shall  deposit  the  hox  and 
adjust  the  stone  to  its  resting-place.  This  done,  the  min- 
ister shall  strike  the  stone  thrice  tcith  a  trowel,  or  ham- 
mer, and  say: 

In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  we  lay  this  corner-stone  in  the  foundation  of 
a  house  to  be  erected  and  dedicated  for  the  worship  of  God, 
wherein  his  vrord  shall  be  preached  and  his  worship  main- 
tained.    Amen. 

8.  Singing. 

9.  Benediction. 

Section  YII. 

CHURCn   DEDICATION. 

The  folloicing  order  of  service  may  he  used: 

1.  Scripture  reading.     (Ps.  84;  or,  Isa.  62  and  Ps.  122.) 

2.  Singing. 

3.  Prayer. 

4.  Singing. 

5.  Sermon. 

6.  Offering. 

7.  Singing. 

8.  Scripture  reading,  loith  congregation  standing. 

"But  will  God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth?  behold,  the 
heaven,  and  heaven  of  heavens,  cannot  contain  thee ;  how 
much  less  this  house  that  I  have  builded?  Yet  have  thou 
respect  unto  the  prayer  of  thy  servant,  and  to  his  supplica- 


162  DISCIPLINE 

tion,  O  Lord  my  God,  to  hearken  unto  the  cry  and  to  the 
prayer  which  thy  servant  prayeth  before  thee  to-day  :  that 
thine  eyes  may  be  open  toward  this  house  night  and  day, 
even  toward  the  place  of  which  thou  hast  said,  My  name 
shall  be  there :  that  thou  mayest  hearken  unto  the  prayer 
which  thy  servant  shall  make  toward  this  place.  And 
hearken  thou  to  the  supplication  of  thy  servant,  and  of  thy 
people  Israel,  when  they  shall  pray  toward  this  place :  and 
hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling  place :  and  when  thou 
hearest,  forgive. 

"If  any  man  trespass  against  his  neighbour,  and  an  oath 
be  laid  upon  him  to  cause  him  to  swear,  and  the  oath 
come  before  thine  altar  in  this  house :  then  hear  thou  in 
heaven,  and  do,  and  judge  thy  servants,  condemning  the 
wicked,  to  bring  his  way  upon  his  head ;  and  justifying  the 
righteous,  to  give  him  according  to  his  righteousness. 

"When  thy  people  Israel  be  smitten  down  before  the  enemy, 
because  they  have  sinned  against  thee,  and  shall  turn  again 
to  thee,  and  confess  thy  name,  and  pray,  and  make  supplica- 
tion unto  thee  in  this  house :  then  hear  thou  in  heaven  and 
forgive  the  sin  of  thy  people  Israel,  and  bring  them  again 
unto  the  land  which  thou  gavest  unto  their  fathers. 

"When  heaven  is  shut  up,  and  there  is  no  rain,  because 
they  have  sinned  against  thee ;  if  they  pray  toward  this 
place,  and  confess  thy  name,  and  turn  from  their  sin,  when 
thou  afflictest  them  :  then  hear  thou  in  heaven,  and  forgive 
the  sin  of  thy  servants,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  that  thou 
teach  them  the  good  way  wherein-  they  should  walk,  and 
give  rain  upon  thy  land,  which  thou  hast  given  to  thy  peo- 
ple for  an  inheritance. 

"If  there  be  in  the  land  famine,  if  there  be  pestilence, 
blasting,  mildew,  locust,  or  if  there  be  caterpiller;  if  their 
enemy  besiege  them  in  the  land  of  their  cities ;  whatsoever 
plague,  whatsoever  sickness  there  be ;  what  prayer  and  sup- 
plication soever  be  made  by  any  man.  or  by  all  thy  people 
Israel,  which  shall  know  every  man  the  plague  of  his  own 
heart,  and  spread  forth  his  hands  toward  this  house :  then 
hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling  place,  and  forgive,  and 
do,  and  give  to  every  man  according  to  his  ways,  whose 
heart  thou  knowest ;  ( for  thou,  even  thou  only,  knowest  the 
hearts  of  all  the  children  of  men ; )  that  they  may  fear 
thee  all  the  days  that  they  live  in.  the  land  which  thou 
gavest  unto  our  fathers. 


FORMULAS  163 

"Moreover,  concerning  a  stranger  that  is  not  of  thy  people 
Israel,  but  cometh  out  of  a  far  country  for  thy  name's  sake ; 
(for  they  shall  hear  of  thy  great  name,  and  of  thy  strong 
hand,  and  of  thy  stretched  out  arm;)  when  he  shall  come 
and  pray  toward  this  house ;  hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwell- 
ing place,  and  do  according  to  all  that  the  stranger  calleth 
to  thee  for :  that  all  thy  people  of  the  earth  may  know  thy 
name,  to  fear  thee,  as  do  thy  people  Israel ;  and  that  they 
may  know  that  this  house,  which  I  have  builded,  is  called 
by  thy  name"    (I.  Kings  8:27-43). 

'*We  will  go  into  his  tabernacles :  we  will  worshii)  at  his 
footstool"  (Ps.  132:7). 

"For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion ;  he  hath  desired  it  for 
his  habitation.  This  is  my  rest  forever :  here  will  I  dwell ; 
for  I  have  desired  it.  I  will  abundantly  bless  her  provision  ; 
I  will  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread.  I  will  also  clothe  her 
priests  with  salvation :  and  her  saints  shall  shout  aloud 
for  joy"   (Ps.  132:13-16). 

"Now,  my  God,  let,  I  beseech  thee,  thine  eyes  be  open, 
and  let  thine  ears  be  attent  unto  the  prayer  that  is  made 
in  this  place.  Now  therefore  arise,  O  Lord  God,  into  thy 
resting  place,  thou,  and  the  ark  of  thy  strength :  let  thy 
priests,  O  Lord  God,  be  clothed  with  salvation,  and  let  thy 
saints  rejoice  in  goodness"   (II.  Chr.  6:40,  41). 

"Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting :  and  let  all  the  people  say.  Amen.  Praise  ye 
the  Lord"   (Ps.  106:48). 

9.     Dedicatory  Praijcr. 

And  now,  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  we  give  this  house  to 
thee.  As  thy  people  have  builded  it  for  thy  worship  and 
glory,  we  pray  that  thou  wilt  accept  it  in  the  name  of  thy 
Son  our  Saviour,  and  manifest  thyself  approvingly  to  all  who 
have  given  to  this  work  with  a  sincere  desire  to  honor  thee 
and  to  save  men.  As  thou  didst  dwell  in  the  temple  at 
Jerusalem,  so  make  this  thy  resting  place.  Show  forth  thy 
power  and  glory  here  from  time  to  time  in  the  salvation  of 
sinners,  and  in  the  edification  of  thy  people.  When  thy 
servants  preach  the  word  in  this  house,  be  thou  in  them, 
and  accompany  the  truth  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  the  hearts 
of  all  who  shall  hear.  And  when  thy  people  meet  in  this 
place  for  prayer  and  praise,  reveal  thyself  graciously  to  their 
faith,  and  vouchsafe  unto  them  the  joys  of  thy  great  salva- 


164  DISCIPLINE 

tion.  Preserve  this  house,  we  beseech  thee,  from  fire  and 
storm,  and  make  it  a  very  great  blessing  to  as  many  as  shall 
worship  before  thine  altar.  May  the  people  remember  that 
this  is  thy  house — the  place  where  thy  honor  dwelleth — and 
approach  it  with  reverence  and  gladness.  And  not  only 
accept  this  house,  but  accept  also  our  hearts  as  we  dedicate 
them  anew  to  thee.  Cleanse  them  and  make  them  fit  temples 
for  the  indwelling  of  thy  Spirit.  Accept,  we  pray  thee,  all 
we  bring  in  this  hour  of  consecration,  sealing  it  with  thine 
ov\'n  approval.  And  at  last  gather  us  all  into  that  eternal 
temple  not  made  with  hands,  and  thy  name,  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  worthy  and  glorious,  shall  have 
all  the  praise  evermore.     Amen. 

10.  Address  to  the  trustees  at  the  dedication  of  a  cliiircJi, 
the  trustees  standing  in  front  of  the  altar. 

Brethren  :  You  have  been  selected  by  the  church  to  hold 
the  honorable  and  responsible  place  of  trustees  of  this  house 
of  worship,  now  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God. 
In  this  office  you  represent  the  church,  and  will  act  on  its 
behalf  and  for  its  Avelfare,  but  in  no  sense  forgetting  the  in- 
terests of  the  community  which  are  identified  with  the  house 
of  God. 

It  is  your  duty  to  protect,  and  to  improve  or  repair  this 
building  and  grounds  as  occasion  may  arise ;  also,  to  pro- 
vide suitable  fuel,  and,  further  to  employ  a  janitor,  who  shall 
open  and  close  the  house  for  all  appointed  services,  keeping 
it  properly  warmed  during  the  cold  weather,  correctly  ven- 
tilated at  all  times,  and  always  clean  and  inviting,  as  be- 
comes the  house  of  God. 

The  house  of  God  is  sacred ;  it  is  God's  holy  temple,  where 
he  is  to  be  worshiped  in  the  beauty  of  holiness  and  love ; 
therefore,  do  nothing  in  vainglory,  but  by  love  serve  one 
another.  Nothing  should  enter  this  sacred  place  that  will 
defile  the  temple  of  God:  but  at  the  same  time  let  it  ever 
be  remembered  that  all  works  of  justice,  of  mercy,  of  love, 
of  helpfulness  of  whatsoever  kinds  are  proper  in  the  house 
of  God.  Anything  that  v.'ill  edify  men  will  glorify  God,  and 
should  not  be  foreign  to  this  house. 

You  are  only  a  part  of  the  persons  interested  in  this 
property ;  secure  the  good  will  and  cooperation  of  all  of  them, 
so  far  as  possible,  in  all  your  plans.  You  hold  your  ofiice 
at  the  option  of  the  quarterly  conference ;  therefore,  seek 
its  counsel   in  all   important  matters.     You  are  the  assist- 


FORMULAS  165 

ants  of  the  pastor;  honor  and  aid  him  in  all  the  work  of 
the  church. 

I  now  give  this  key  to  the  president  of  the  board  as  the 
symbol  of  your  authority.  I  pray  that  Christian  faith  and 
hope  and  love  nnay  dwell  in  your  hearts,  and  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  may  be  your  guide  and  comforter. 

11.  Delivery  of  the  keys  in  the  name  of  the  Trinity  to 
hold  in  trust  for  God  and  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

12.  Doxolorjy, 

13.  Benediction. 


Section  VIII. 

THE   MARRIAGE   CEREMONY. 

The  minister  shall  say: 

We  are  gathered  together  in  the  sight  of  God  and  in  the 
presence  of  these  witnesses,  to  join  together  A^.  and  21.  as 
husband  and  wife.  The  institution  of  marriage  is  coeval 
with  the  family  of  man.  God  saw  that  it  was  not  good  for 
man  to  be  alone  even  in  paradise,  and  formed  and  gave  to 
him  woman,  that  she  might  be  a  ''help  meet  for  him."  This 
union,  like  that  of  the  body  and  soul,  is  only  to  be  severed 
by  the  hand  of  death. 

Here  the  minister  may  say: 

If  any  person  present  knows  any  just  cause  or  impedi- 
ment why  these  persons  should  not  be  joined  in  marriage, 
let  the  same  now  speak  or  forever  keep  silent. 

No  impediment   being   alleged,   the   minister,   addressing  the 
persons  to  he  married,  shall  further  say: 

Deeming  it  sufficient  to  refer  you  to  the  Holy  Scriptures 
concerning  the  duties  you  will  henceforth  owe  to  each  other, 
I  will  proceed  to  receive  your  mutual  plighted  faith,  and 
seal  your  marriage  vows. 

To  the  man: 

Will  you  have  this  woman  to  be  your  wedded  wife,  to 
live  with  her  after  God's  ordinance ;  will  you  love,  honor, 
comfort,  and  cherish  her,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  in  pros- 
perity and  adversity,  and  forsaking  all  others,  keep  yourself 
to  her  only,  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live?  If  so,  answer, 
"I  will." 


1G6  DISCIPLINE 

To  the  woman: 

Will  you  have  this  man  to  be  your  wedded  husband,  to 
live  with  him  after  God's  ordinance ;  will  you  love,  honor, 
comfort,  and  cherish  him,  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in 
prosperity  and  adversity,  and  forsaking  all  others,  keep 
yourself  unto  him  only,  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live?  If 
so,  answer,  "I  will." 

The  minister  shall  then  join  their  right  hands,  and  2)lacing 
his  right  hand  upon  theirs,  shall  say: 

Those  whom  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put 
asunder.  Inasmuch  as  you  have  consented  together  in 
marriage,  and  have  declared  the  same  before  God  and  in 
the  presence  of  these  witnesses,  I  pronounce  you  husband 
and  wife,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Spirt.     Amen, 

The  minister  may   then  offer  a  trief  extempore  prayer,   to 
he  folloioed  hy  this  henediction : 

May  God  the  gracious  Father  bless,  preserve,  and  keep 
you ;  the  Lord,  mercifully,  with  his  favor,  look  upon  you, 
and  fill  you  with  all  spiritual  blessings  and  grace,  that 
you  may  so  live  together  in  this  life  that  in  the  world  to 
come  you  may  have  everlasting  life.     Amen. 


Section  IX. 

MARRIAGE   CEREMONY   WITH   RING. 

The  minister  shall  say: 

Dearly  beloved,  we  are  here  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  in 
the  presence  of  these  witnesses,  to  unite  together  these  two 
persons  in  holy  marriage.  They  have  passed  satisfactorily 
the  tests  and  requirements  of  the  family,  the  state,  and  of 
the  church,  and  now  stand  unchallenged  in  this  presence  to 
be  admitted  into  the  holy  state  commanded  by  the  Word 
of  God,  to  be  had  in  honor  among  all  men. 

It  is  becoming  that  this  marriage  relation  be  entered  into 
discreetly,  reverently,  advisedly,  soberly,  and  in  the  fear  of 
God.  I,  therefore,  a  minister  of  the  blessed  gospel,  entreat 
you  both  to  seek  the  help  of  God  in  this  moment  and  in  all 
your  privileges  and  duties,  that  his  love  and  grace  may 
make  your  union  fruitful  of  comfort  and  usefulness,  and  a 
furtherance  of  your  salvation   and  everlasting  life. 


FORMULAS  167 

To  the  man: 

Do  yon  take  this  woman  before  God  and  tliese  witnesses 
to  be  your  wife?     If  so,  answer,  ''I  do." 

Do  you  promise  to  love  and  honor  her,  defend,  support, 
and  comfort  her,  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in  joy  and  in 
sorrow,  in  prosperity  and  adversity?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Will  you  be  faithful  to  her  in  all  things,  and  endeavor 
to  be  a  good  husband  to  her  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live? 
If  so,  answer,  "I  will." 

To  the  iDOinan: 

Do  you  take  this  man,  before  God  and  these  witnesses, 
to  be  your  husband?    If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Do  you  promise  to  love,  honor,  and  comfort  him,  in  joy 
and  in  sorrow,  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in  prosperity  and 
adversity?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Will  you  be  faithful  to  him  in  all  things,  and  endeavor  to 
be  a  good  wife  to  him  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live?  If 
so,  answer,  "I  will." 

What  token  and  pledge  do  you  offer  that  you  will  faith- 
fully perform  these  covenant  vows? 

TJie  man  shoics  the  ring,  holding  it  in  his  right  hand,  and 
answers: 

This  ring. 

The  minister  shall  say  to  the  iDoman: 

Do  you  accept  this  ring  in  token  of  the  same  covenant 
upon  your  part?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Then  the  man,  the  minister  guiding  his  right  hand,  shall 
place  the  ring  on  the  third  finger  of  her  left  hand,  and 
the  minister  shall  say: 

Let  us  pray. 

He  may  offer  an  extempore  prayer,  or  use  the  folloiving: 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  thou  hast  recorded  the 
promises  of  these  thy  servants  now  made  to  each  other. 
We  entreat  thee  to  unite  their  hearts  and  lives  in  the  bond 
of  a  true  and  abiding  affection,  that  they  may  share  all 
the  blessings  of  a  happy  marriage.  May  their  lives  be 
preserved'  from  evil,  and  their  love  know  no  doubt,  but  grow 
in  purity  and  sweetnes^s  with  the  number  of  their  years.  Be- 
stow upon  them  the  Holy  Spirit  and  true  heavenly  wisdom, 
that  they  may  be  preserved  from  all  things  which  have  a 


168  DISCIPLINE 

tendency  to  diminish  the  happiness  of  this  holy  estate. 
Enable  them  by  thy  grace  to  live  together  according  to  thy 
holy  will,  and  may  they  at  last  enter  into  eternal  life  and 
fellowship  with  thy  saints  in  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  shall  the  minister  request  them  to  join  their  right 
hands;  the  minister,  laying  his  right  hand  upon  theirs, 
shall  say  to  them: 

Inasmuch  as  you  have  covenanted  together  in  these  eacred 
bonds,  and  have  witnessed  the  same  by  this  token,  I  pro- 
nounce you  husband  and  wife,  in  the  name  of  the  Father^ 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Wliat  therefore  God  hath  joined  together  let  no  man  put 
asunder. 

"The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee :  the  Lord  make  his 
face  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee :  the  Lord 
lift  up  his  countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace." 
Amen. 

Section  X.  , 

BURIAL   OF  THE   DEAD. 

After  the  co/fin  is  lowered  into  the  grave,  the  minister  shall 
repeat  the  following: 

"Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days  and  full 
of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down : 
he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not."  "Lord, 
make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  measure  of  my  days, 
what  it  is ;  that  I  may  know  how  frail  I  am." 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death  ;  unto  whom  should 
we  seek  for  succor  but  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  who  for  our  sins 
art  justly  displeased?  Our  hope  is  in  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
vs^ho  hath  said,  "I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life :  he  that 
believe th  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live : 
and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die." 
"For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle 
were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 

"And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me,  Write, 
Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  hence- 
forth :  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their 
labours  ;   and  their  works  do  follow  them." 

"There  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrov/,  nor  cry- 


FORMULAS  169 

ing,  neither,  shall  there  be  any  more  pain :   for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away." 

Inasmuch  as  God  in  his  wise  providence  has  called  out 
of  time  into  eternity  the  soul  of  our  brother  [sister,  or 
child],  we  commit  his  [or  her]  remains  to  the  ground,  earth 
to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust,  in  the  confident  hope 
of  the  general  resurrection  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
at  his  coming  and  glory ;  that  this  corruptible  body  shall 
be  raised  up  and  be  fashioned  like  unto  the  glorious  body 
of  Christ,  be  reunited  with  the  soul,  and  be  received  into 
everlasting  habitations.     Amen. 

Benediction. 

Section  XI. 
In  case  the  Apostles'  Creed  or  Lord's  Prayer  be  used  in 
any  of  our  services,  the  following  forms  may  be  used : 

The  Lord's  Prayer. 
Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  thy  name. 
Thy  kingdora  come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive 
us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

The  Apostles'  Creed. 
I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  maker  of  heaven 
and  earth ;  and  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  only  Son,  our  Lord ; 
who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Spirit ;  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary ;  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate ;  was  crucified,  dead, 
and  buried ;  he  descended  into  hades.  The  third  day  he  arose 
from  the  dead ;  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  he 
shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in 
the  Holy  Spirit,  the  holy  catholic  church ;  the  communion 
of  saints  ;  the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the 
body ;  and  the  life  everlasting.     Amen. 


12 


CHAPTER  XXYIII. 

Forms. 
Section  I. 

CERTIFICATES    AND    LICENSES. 

1.     Certificate   of  Transfer  of  Memter. 

This   is  to  certify   that  A.   B.   is  an   acceptable  member 
of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  at  


Class,    Charge,    Conference,    and    is    hereby 

transferred   to   Society,    of   Charge,   

Conference. 

Pastor. 

[Date,  etc.] 

2.     Certificate  of  Memhersliip. 

This  is  to  certify  that  A.  B.  is  a  member  in  good  stand- 
ing  of   the   Church   of   the   United   Brethren    in    Christ,    at 

,   and  is   hereby   recommended   to  the  confidence  and 

fellowship  of  Christians  everywhere. 

Pastor. 

[Date,  etc.] 

S.     Certificate  of  Withdraical. 

This  is  to  certify  that  A.  B.  has  been  until  this  date  a 
member  in  good  standing  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren in  Christ,  at  ,  and  at  request  is  granted 

this    letter    of    withdrawal    and    recommendation    from    the 
Church  by  a  vote  of  the  class. 

Pastor. 

[Date,  etc.] 

If.     License   for   Quarterly-Conference   Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 

170 


FOEMS  171 

as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ,  as  held  by  this  Church.     Given  at  a 

quarterly  conference,  held  on  charge,  this  day 

of  in   the   year  of   our    Lord   .      Subject   to 

renewal  annually. 


,P.    E. 


[Date,  etc.] 

5.     License  for  Exiiorter. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  an  approved  exhorter  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ,   as  held  by  this  Church.     Given  at  a 

quarterly  conference,  held  on  charge,  this  

day  of  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  .     Subject  to 

renewal  annually. 


P.    E. 


[Date,  etc.] 

6.     Permanent   License  for  Quarterly-Conference  Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that  has  completed  the  course 

of  reading  required,  and  is  hereby  granted  a  permanent 
license  as  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  in  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

P.    E. 

[Date,  etc.] 

7.     Annual-Conference   Preacher^s    License. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ.     Given  at  an  annual  conference,  held 

in    ,    this   day    of   in   the   year    of   our 

Lord  .     Signed  in  behalf  of  said  conference. 

Bishop. 

[Date,  etc.] 

8.     Elder^s    License. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 


172  DISCIPLINE 

the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  has  been  ordained  to  the  office  of 
elder  by  the  laying  on  of  hands. 

Given  at  an  annual  conference  held  in  this  

day  of in  the  year  of  our  Lord . 

Signed  and  sealed  in  behalf  of  said  conference. 

Bishop. 

[Date,  etc.] 

9.     Transfer  of  Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  a  of  the  Church 

of   the    United   Brethren   in    Christ    of   Conference, 

and    is    hereby    transferred    to conference    of    said 

Church. 

Bishop. 

[Date,  etc.] 

10.     Deaconess''  Certificate. 

This  is  to  certify   that  is  an  approved  deaconess 

in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Authorized  by  the  quarterly  conference. 

Pres.  Board. 

Sec.  Board. 


Section  II. 

BEQUESTS. 

11.     The  Missionary  Societies. 

9 

1  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Missionary  Society  of 

the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  organized  by  the  General  Con- 
ference of  said  Church,  May  20,  1S53,  and  incorporated  in 
Butler  County,  Ohio,  September  23,  ISSi,  and  reorganized 
by  the  General  Conference  at  Topeka,  Kansas,  May,  1905, 

the  sum  of  dollars ;  and  the  receipt  of  the  treasurer 

of  the  society  shall  be  a  sufficient  discharge  thereof  to  my 
executors  and  administrators. 

[Name] 

12.     The  Church-Erection  Society. 
I  bequeath  to  the  Church-Erection  Society  of  the  United 

Brethren  in  Christ  the  sum  of  dollars,  to  be  invested 

according  to  the  constitution  of  this  society. 

[Name] 


FORMS  "  173 

13.     Woman^s  Missionary  Association. 

I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  to  the  Woman's  Missionary 
Association  of  the   United  Brethren  in   Christ,   the  sum  of 

dollars,   to  be  applied  to   the  purposes  set  forth   in 

the  Articles  of  Incorporation  adopted  March  28,  1890. 

[Name] 


11^.     Chureli    Trustees. 

I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  to  the  "Trustees  of  the  Unit- 
ed Brethren  in  Christ,"  an  incorporation  located  at  Dayton, 
Ohio,  for  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 

Dollars, 

to  be  applied  as  follows : 

( Here  state  precisely  the  purpose  for  which  the  bequest  is  made, 
or  say,  "to  be  used  at  the  discretion  of  said  trustees  to  promote 
the  cause  of  Christianity  in  said  Church.") 


[Name] 


15.     Union  Bihlical  Seminary. 

I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Union  Biblical  Seminary  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  located  at  Dayton,  Ohio, 
authorized  by  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church  in 
Lebanon,  Pennsylvania,  May  2,  1869,  and  incorporated  ac- 
cording  to   the   laws   of   Ohio,   the   sum   of  dollars ; 

and  the  receipt  of  the  business  manager  shall  be  a  sufficient 
discharge  thereof  to  my  executors.  ' 

[Name] 


1T4 


DISCIPLINE 


Section  III. 

*  REPORTS. 

16.     Pastor's   Quarterly  Report. 

QITARTEKIiY  KEPOBT,  ANNUAL  CONFERENCE,  UNITED 

BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST. 


District. 

CLASSES  OR  FIELDS  OF   LABOR. 

Circuit. 

Missions. 

Quarter. 

l90... 

o 



"3 

05 

o 
m 

o 

u 

3 

o 

s 
6 

c 

S 

w 

o 

Alpmlipvs  rpnftived 

Members  at  present 

Discourses  preached 

Pastoral  visits 

Cllnss-mpetiners  lield 

Woman's  Evangels 

Collected  for  missions 

Collected  for    

Collected  for 

Collected  for 



.Pastor. 


[The  blanks  can  be  filled  out  to  suit  either  pastor  or  presiding 
elder,  as  the  presiding  elder  would  simply  give  the  total  column 
of  each  work.] 


1. 
2. 


3. 

4. 
5. 
6. 


11.     Sahhath-^^chool  Superintend  en  fs  Report. 

Salhath  School, Quarter. 

[Date.] 

Number  of  officers  and  teachers   

Number  of  scholars  enrolled   

(a)   General  Department   

(6)   Home  Department 

Average  attendance   

Children's  Friends 

Lessons  for  the  Little  Ones 

Quarterlies 


roRMS  175 


7.  Bihlc  Teachers  

8.  Amount  of  collections  . . . . 

9.  Expenses  of  the  quarter   .  . 

10.  Contributions  for  missions 

11.  Remarks 


Superintendent. 


18,     Report  of  President  of  Younc/  People's  Society. 

......  Class,    Quarter. 

[Date.] 

1.  Number  of  members  at  beginning  of  quarter : 

Active Associate 

2.  Members  received 

3.  Members   lost    

4.  Present   membership    

5.  Number  associate  members  converted 

6.  Number  meetings  held 

7.  Number  Watchwords  taken   

8.  Funds  collected 

9.  For  what  purposes 

10.     Remarks. 

President. 


19.     Class-Leader'' s  Report. 

Class,   Quarter. 

[Date.] 

1.  Number  of  members    

2.  Number  of  meetings  held  

3.  Average  attendance   

4.  Number  of  sick  and  delinquent  members  visited  .  . . 

Class-Leader. 


20.     Contrihiition  Card. 

Church [Date.] 

I  hereby  agree  to  pay  to  the  order  of  the  treasurer  of 
Church  the  sum  of  weekly,  during  the  year 


beginning  ,    for   pastor's   salary   and   other   church 

expenses. 

[Signed]   


176 


DISCIPLINE 


1. 
2. 
3. 

4. 

5. 


21.     Class-Steward's  Report. 
Class,    Quarter. 


Apportionment  for  year   

Amount  clue  at  end  of  quarter 

Amount  paid , 

Deficit   

Surplus    


[Date.] 


Steward. 


3. 


Annual   Report   of   Treasurer   of   Board   of   Church   or 
Parsonage  Trustees. 

Doh.    Cis. 


Heceipts. 

(1)  By  subscriptions 

(2)  By  donations 

(3)  Interest 

(4)  Collections 

(5)  Kents 


Total  receipts. 


2.    Disbursements. 


(1) 


(3) 
(4) 


Erection  of 

Paid  on  debt— 

(a)    Principal 

(6)    Interest 

Paid  for  repairs 

For  improvements 


Church  at- 


Dols.     Cts. 


Total  disbursements 


Indebtedness. 

(I)    Principal 

Interest 

Bills  unpaid. 


Dols.     Cts. 


(2) 
(3) 


Total  indebtedness. 


Number  of  meetings  held 
Remarks 


.Treasurer. 


W.  R.  Funk  and  I.  L.  Kepliart  were  made  a  committee 
to  edit  the  new  Discipline.  (See  page  688,  General  Confer- 
ence Report.) 

It  is  hereby  declared  that  all  laws  and  parts  of  laws  in  the 
United  Brethren  Discipline  which  are  not  in  harmony  with 
the  acts  of  this  General  Conference  are  hereby  repealed. 
(See  page  673,  General  Conference  Report.) 

It  was  ordered  that  this  new  Discipline  shall  go  into  effect 
on  and  after  the  1st  day  of  August,  1905.  (See  page  722, 
General  Conference  Report.) 


INDEX. 


Absent  voters  for  General  Conference  delegates,  40. 
Absentees  from  annual  conference,  38. 
Academies,   134. 
Agent  of  Printing  Establisliment : 

duties   of,   128. 

election  of,  127. 
Aid: 

from  Board  of  Education  to  students,  133. 

from  Churcli-Erection  Society,  124. 

from  General  Sunday-Scliool  Board,  how  obtained,  90. 
Allegheny   Conference,   boundary  of,   145. 
Amenability   of  certified   members,   29. 
Annual    Conference  : 

absentees  from,  38. 

address  and  sermon  at,  57. 

appeals   from,    77,    78. 

appeals   to,    36.    76. 

authority  of,  38. 

bishop  pro  tempore,  37. 

boundaries,   16,   144. 

devotions,   37. 

division  into  fields  of  labor,  62. 

electioneering  forbidden,  38. 

examination  of,    IG,   42. 

examination   of  preachers,   37. 

lay  representation  in,   37. 

members  of,  37. 

order   of   business    at,    38. 

presiding   officers,    37,   54. 

questions  to   be   asked,   38. 

secretaries,   37. 

sermon  and  address  at,   57. 

Sunday-school    secretary    and   treasurer,    90. 

trial  of  preachers,  57. 
Apostles"    Creed,   169. 
Appeals  : 

court  of,   77. 

from  annual  conference,  77,  78. 

177 


178  INDEX 

from   class,   26,   77. 

from  cjuarterly  conference,  36,  77. 

from  stationing  committee,  62. 

riglit  of,   17,   26. 

to   quarterly   conference,    35. 
Applicants  for  Church  membership  : 

committee    to    examine,    20. 

questions   to,   19. 
Apportionment  to  members,  36. 
Authorship  of  doctrinal  publications,   130. 

Baptism  : 

doctrine  of,   13. 

formula  for  adults,  lo6. 
for  children,   157. 

upon   admission   into  the  Church,   19. 
Beneficiary   aid  : 

collections   for,    132. 

object,  132. 

recommendations  for,    133. 
Benevolent  and  Educational   Institutions.  103. 
Bequests  : 

forms  of.  172. 

Bible    cause,   49. 

General  Board  of  Church  Trustees,  87. 

Foreign    Missionary    Society,    112. 

Woman's  Missionary  Association,   113. 
Bishops  : 

address   and  sermon,   57. 

announcement    of    representation    in    the    General    Confer- 
ence,   39. 

annual  meeting  of,   56. 

attendance   at   conference,    54,   55. 

connection    with   educational    work,    56. 

districts  of.  144. 

duties  of,  16,  54,  55,  103.  106.  107,  109.   110. 

election   of.    16.    54. 

eligibility  to  office  of.  16. 

organization  of  mission   conferences,   56. 

presiding  at  conferences,   55. 

pro  tempore,  37. 

reports  of,    56. 

residences   of.   54. 

salaries  of.  54. 

special   sessions  of  conference,  56. 

stationing  preachers.  57. 

supervision  of   foreign   work.    57.  ' 

vacancy  in  office  of,  56. 
Board  of  Education,  16,  131. 


INDEX  179 


Boards  of  Trustees,   43. 
Book  Committee,   130. 
Boundaries,   144. 

annual    conference,    145. 

bishops'   districts,   144. 
Branch  missionary  societies  : 

constituted,  how,  105,  111. 

contributions  to,  105. 

secretary  and  treasurer  of,  105,  111. 
Brancli  society  W.  M.  A.,  constitution  of,  115. 
Building  of  church-houses  and  parsonages,  84. 
Burial  of  the  dead,  formula  foi%  168. 

Califorxia   Conference^   boundary  of,    145. 
Central    District,    bishops*,    144. 
Certificates  : 

of  deaconess,  form  of,   172. 

of  membership,  form  of.  170. 

of  ti'ansfer  of  member,  form  of,   170. 

of  transfer  of  preacher,   form  of,   172. 

of  withdrawal,   form  of.    170. 
Chickamauga   Mission   District.   154. 
Children,   home   training   of.    65. 
China  Mission  District,   154. 
Christian    Stewardship    Commission,    102. 
Church  : 

disbanding  classes,  30. 

division  into  classes,  30. 

government  of.   30. 

local   organization,    30. 

origin   of,   7. 

trustees  of,  87. 
Church   Clerk,    33. 
Church    Deacons.    32. 
Church-Erection    Society  : 

application   for  aid,   124. 

apportionment  and  division  of  funds,   124. 

bequest  to,   172. 

branch  societies,   123. 

constitution    of.    122. 

duty  of  the  ministry.  126. 

insurance  for   security  of,   125. 

loans,    125. 

meetings,   123. 

membership,    122. 

object  of,  122. 

officers   of,    122. 
duties   of,    123. 

parsonage   day,   126. 


182  INDEX 

in  local  cliurcties,  67. 
Dead,   formula  for  burial   of,   168, 
Dedication   of  churches,   formula  for,   161, 
Delegates  to  the  General  Conference : 

expenses  of,  42. 

how  elected,  39, 
Des    Moines   Conference,   boundary   of,    146. 
Disbanding  classes,  30, 
Discipline  : 

power   to   repeal,    15, 

editors  of,  176, 
Dismissals  : 

of   class-leaders,   31. 

of   class-stewards,   32. 
Divorce  and  divorced  persons,  rule  regarding,  82. 
Duties  of  members,  21. 

care  of  poor,   23. 

confession,   21. 

delinquent  members,   22. 

family    piety,    21. 

love  to  others,  21. 

means   of   grace,    21. 

necessity  of  union,  24. 

nonconformity  to  world,  23. 

obedience,   22,   24. 

receiving  ministers,  23. 

Sabbath  observance,  22. 

Sabbath   schools,   22. 

singing.    21. 

support  of  general   interests,   23. 

support   of  gospel,   22. 

Young  People's  societies,  22. 

East  District^  bishops',  144. 

East   Pennsylvania   Conference,   boundary  of,   146. 

East  Nebraska  Conference,  boundary  of,  146. 

East  Ohio  Conference,  boundary  of,   146. 

East  Tennessee  Conference,  boundary  of,  146. 

Education  : 

academies,    134. 

Board  of,  see  Education,   Board  of. 

colleges,  see  Colleges. 

college-extension  courses,   136. 

Union  Biblical  Seminary,  see  Union  Biblical  Seminary. 
Education,   Board  of  : 

beneficiary   aid,    132. 

collections  for,  133. 

constitution   of,    131. 

delinquents,  134. 


INDEX  18S 


executive  committee  of,  134. 

general  aim,   132. 

objects  of,  132. 

oflBceTS  of,  131. 

publications,    132. 

recommendations  to,  133. 

report  of.   132. 

reports  and   recommendations,   132. 
Educational    institution,    see    Education. 
Educational   sermon  required,   133. 
Elders  : 

duties  of,   52. 

election   to  orders.  52. 

examining   committee,   duties  of,    51. 

examination  of   candidates  for  orders,  51. 

in  the  General  Conference,  15. 

ordination  of,  51,  55. 
formula  for,   159. 

questions  regai'ding  candidates,   51. 

special    provision,   52. 

who   are,   50. 
Election  of  General  Conference  delegates  : 

conference  representation,  39. 

publication  of  i-esults,  41. 

returns  of,   41. 
Electioneering  forbidden,    38. 
Erie  Conference,  boundary  of,  147. 
Estimating  committee,   36. 
Evangelists  : 

authorized,   50. 

work   of,    65. 
Examinations  : 

of  annual  conferences,  16,  42. 

of  preachers  x'egai'ding  life,  37. 
Exchange  of  pastors  by  presiding  elder,  54. 
Exhorters  : 

duties   of,   44. 

how   licensed,   35,  44. 

renewal   of  license,  44. 

trial  of,  57. 
Expelled  preachers  not  to  be  received,  48. 
Expulsion  : 

of  annual-conference  preachers,   58. 

of  quarterly-conference  preachers,  57. 

FamituY  piety,  21. 
Fast  days,   56. 
Forms  : 

Apostles'   Ci'eed,   169. 


184  INDEX 

bequests,  to  Board  of  Clrtirch  Trustees,  173. 

to   Church-Erection   Society.    172. 

to   Missionary    Society,    172. 

to  Union  Biblical    Seminary,   173. 

to  Woman's  Missionary  Association,  173. 
certificates   and   licenses,    170. 
certificate  of  membership,   170. 

of  transfer  of  member,  170. 

of   withdrawal,    170. 

for  a  deaconess,   172. 
class-leader's   report,    175. 
class-steward's  report,   17G. 
contribution   card,   175. 
license,   for   annual-conference  preachers,    171. 

for  elder,   171. 

for  exhorter,  171. 

for  quarterly-conference  preachers,   170. 

for  quarterly-conference  preachers — permanent,    171. 
pastor's  quarterly   report,   174. 

report  of  president  of  Young  People's  Society,  175. 
Sabbath-school  su.perintendent's  report,  174. 
transfer   of   preachers.    172. 

treasurer's  report  of  Board  of  Church  Trustees,  176. 
Formulas  : 

baptism  of  adults,   156. 

of  children,  157. 
burial  of  the  dead,   168. 
church    dedication,    161. 
holy    communion,    158. 
laying  of  corner-stone,  160. 
marriage  ceremony,    165. 

with    ring,    166. 
ordination  of  elders,  159. 
reception  of  members  into  the  Church,  155. 

General  Conference  : 

absent  voters   for  delegates,  40. 

appeals  to,   78. 

bishops'    announcement   of   representation,   39. 

boards  of  trustees,   43. 

boundaries  of  annual  conferences,  16. 

canvassing  and  publication  of  returns.  41. 

composition   of,    15,    39. 

contests,   41. 

duties   of,   15. 

election  boards,  40. 

election  of  delegates  to,  15,  39. 

of   officers,   43. 
election   returns,  41. 


INDEX  185 

entertainment  of,  42. 

examination   of  annual   conferences,   42. 

expenses  of  delegates,  42. 

lists  of  nominees   and  blanks,  40. 

location   of,    42. 

members  of,    15,    39. 

nomination,    of    lay    delegates,    39. 
of  ministerial   delegates,   39. 

number  of  annual  conferences,  16. 

power,  16. 

presiding  officers   of,    16,   55. 

quorum,    15. 

representation    in,    39. 

tellers   to   count    votes   for   delegates,    40. 

time  of  convening.   15. 
General   Church  Treasurer,   43. 
General  steward  : 

how  elected,  36. 

member  of  quarterly  conference,  34. 
Georgia  Conference,    147. 

German  churches,  transfer  to  English  and  rice  versa,  85. 
Germany  Conference,   boundary  of,   147. 
Government  of  the  Church,  30. 

Historical    Society  : 

constitution  of,   140. 

General  Conference,  recognition  of,   140. 

members   of,   141. 

officers   of,   141.   142. 

property  of,   142. 
History   of  the   Church,   outline  of,  7. 
Home    missions,    103. 
Home  training  of  children,   65. 

IXCOKPOEATIOX    QF    BOARDS    OF    TRUSTEES  : 

for  church-houses  and  pavsonages,  84. 

for  general   church  property,   86. 
Indiana  Conference,   boundary   of.   147. 
Institutions  for  Christian  Instruction   and  Training.   88. 
Insurance   of   church   property,    84.    125. 
Iowa  Conference,   boundary  of,   147. 
Itinerancy,    17,   61. 
Itinerants,   see  Preachers,    itinerant. 

Japan  Mission  Conference,  148. 

Kentucky   Conference  District,   148. 

Lay  delegates  : 

in  the  annual  conferences.   37. 

in  the  General  Conference,  15.  39. 


186  INDEX 

Leaders,   class,   see   Class-leaders. 
License  :   . 

granting : 

to    annual -conference    preachers,   47. 
to  extorters,   35,  44. 

to  preachers  by  quarterly  conference,  35,  44. 
to   women,   47. 
permanent  license,  72, 
renewal  of  : 
exhorter's,    44. 

quarterly-conference  preacher's,  4G. 
Licentiates  : 

probation   of,   51. 
who   they   are,    47,    50. 
Limit  of  certificate  of  members,  29. 
Limit   of  transfer   of  preachers, -49. 
Literature  : 

circulation   of   general    church,   63. 
in   Sunday   schools,   92. 
Loans  of  Church-Erection  Society,   124. 
Local  preachers,  see  Preachers,  local. 
Lord's    Prayer,    169. 
Lord's   Supper  : 

doctrine  of,   13. 
formula   for,    158. 
preparation  for,  32. 
presiding  elder  to   administer,   52. 
Louisiana  Conference,   boundary   of,    148. 
Lower  Wabash  Conference,  boundary  of,  148. 

Marriage  : 

formula   for,    165,    166. 

mari-iage  relation,  82. 

who   may   solemnize,   59. 
Members   of    Church  : 

acceptance  of  applicants,  20. 

amenability  of  certified  members,   29. 

apportionments  to,   36. 

confession,  21. 

committee   on   applicants,  20. 

delinquent    members,    22. 

duties  of,   21. 

duty  of  obedience,  24. 

limit  of  certificate,  29. 

love  to   others,    21. 

means  of  grace,  21. 

obedience  to   government,   22. 

preacher's   responsibility   in   reception   of,   20. 

questions   to   applicants,    19. 


187 


receiving  persons  from  other  churches,  20. 
reception   of,    19. 
seekers,    20. 

support  of  general  interests,  23. 
transfer    of,    27. 
form    for,    170. 
trial  of,  25. 

disobedience  to  order  of  church,  26. 
disputes,   26. 

going  to   law   forbidden,   27. 
imm-oral    conduct,    25. 
order  in  trials,  27. 
personal   trespass.   25. 
record  of  trials,  27. 
right  of  appeal,  26. 
Membership,  ministry,  and  government  of  the  Church,  19. 
Membership   of   preachers,   29. 
Miami  Conference,   boundary  of,  148. 
Michigan   Conference,   boundary   of,   149. 
Ministry  of  Church  : 

annual-conference    preachers,     see     Preachers,     annual-con- 
ference, 
bishops,  see  Bishops, 
classification  of,   49. 
elders,   see  Elders, 
exhorters,  see  Exhorters. 
marriage,   who   may   solemnize,   59. 
preachers'  duties  in  general,   59. 
preparation   for,   70. 
presiding  elders,   see  Presiding  Elders. 

quarterly-conference    preachers,     see   Preachers,     quarterly- 
conference, 
reception  of  preachers  from  other  churches,  49. 
trial  of  preachers,  see  Trials. 
Minnesota  Conference,   boundary  of,   149. 
Mission   conferences,   organization   of,   56. 
Mission  districts,  106. 
Missionaries  : 

duties  of,   106. 
salaries  of,   106. 
Missionary  Association,  Woman's,  sec  Woman's  Missionary  As- 
sociation. 
Missionary    Societies  : 
Home  : 

assessments  for,   105. 
bequests   to,    105. 

form   of,    172. 
board  of  control,  103. 
duties,  of,    104. 


188 


branch   officers,   105. 
branch  societies,  105. 

special   meetings  of,   105. 
constitution.   103. 
division  of  funds,  105. 
duties  of  bishops,   107. 

duties  of  pastors  and  presiding  elders,   106. 
funds,    105. 
literature,   106. 
local   organization,   105. 
mission  districts,   106. 
missionaries,   106. 
officers,    104. 

duties  of,  104. 
organization,  103. 
treasurer's  security,  104. 
under  control  of  General  Conference,   16. 
unoccupied   territory,   106. 
Foreign  : 

annual    conferences,    112. 
auxiliaries,   112. 
bequests   to,   112. 

form  of,  172. 
board   of  directors,    109. 

duties  of,    110. 
branch    organizations.    111. 
certificates   of   membership.   109. 
constitution,    108. 
functions.   108. 
funds,    111. 
general   secretary,   100. 

duties  of.   109. 
local  organization.  111. 
membership,    108. 

active  membership,   108. 

contributing    membership,    108. 

life  directorship,   108. 

patronizing  membership,   108. 

supporting   membership,    108. 
missionaries.    111. 
mission  districts,  110. 
name,   108. 
officers,   109. 
special   support,  112. 
treasurer,  duties  of,   110. 
Missouri  Conference,  boundary  of,  149. 
Moral   reform,    80. 
Moving  the  preacher,  66. 


INDEX  189 

Neosho  Conference,  boundary  of,  149. 

New  schools,   formation  of,   133. 

Nonconformity  to  the  world,  23. 

Northeast  Kansas,  Conference,  boundary  of,  149. 

Northern   Illinois   Conference,   boundary  of,    149. 

North  Nebraska  Conference,  boundary  of,   150. 

Northwest  Kansas  Conference,  boundary  of,  150. 

Oaths,  82. 
Official  boards  : 

duties  of,  33. 

executive  council,   34. 

members  of,  33. 

revision  of  records  by,  34. 
Ohio  German  Conference,   boundary  of,   150. 
Oklahoma  Conference,  boundary  of,  150. 
Old  People's  Home,  43. 
Ontario   Conference,   boundary  of,   151. 
Orders,    election   to   elders',   52. 
Ordination  : 

of  elders,  51,  55. 
formula  for,   159. 
Oregon    Conference,    boundary   of,    151. 
Origin   of   the    Church,    7. 

Pacific  District,  144. 
Parsonages  : 

abandoned,    85. 

building  of,  84. 

conditions   of  mortgages   and  liens,    85. 

conference  or  district  property,  86. 

division  of   interest   in,   86. 

duty  of  churches  to  pi'ovide,  66. 

real   estate,   86. 

sale  or  rent  of,   84. 

trustees  of,   83.  • 

Pastor  : 

collections   for,    31. 

duties  of,  see  Preachers,  itinerant, — duties  of,  62. 

duty  of  members  to  receive,  23, 

resignation  of,  61. 
Pastoral  charges,  62. 
Pastoral   visiting,    65. 

Pennsylvania   Conference,   boundary   of,    151. 
Poor,    care   of,   23. 
Preachers  : 

annual-conference  : 
accountability  of,  49. 
Bible  cause,   49. 


190  INDEX 

church   membership  of  preachers,   29. 

classification   of,   49. 

course  of  reading  for,  73. 

elders,  see  Elders. 

evangelists,   50,  65. 

examination  of,  46. 

exemption  from  examination,  48. 

expelled    preacher,    48. 

form   of   license,    171. 

how   received,   46. 

itinerants,  see  Preachers,  itinerant. 

license  of  women,  47. 

licentiates,  50. 

limit  of  transfer,  49. 

local  preachers,   17,  50. 

membership  in  church  required,  29. 

ordained  as  licentiates,   47. 

qualifications   of,   47. 

questions  to,   38. 

transfer  of,  48. 

trial    of,    57. 
general  duties,  59. 
preachers  not  to  trespass,   60,   129. 
itinerant : 

circulation  of  literature,  63. 

classification  of,   49. 

collections  by,  64. 

defined,   50. 

dismissal  of  appointments,   64. 

duties  of,  62. 

in  the  transfer  of  raembers,  28. 
to   Sunday  schools,    91. 
to   the   poor.   23. 

employment   of  other  than   itinerants.   62. 

examination   by   annual   conference.   38. 

how   constituted,   61. 

membership   in  church    required.   29. 

moving  of,  60. 

pastoral   charges,   62. 

pastoral  visiting.  65. 

power   to  change,   54. 

records  of.   64. 

reports    of,    63,    174. 

resignation   of,   61. 

revision  of  records,   63. 

salaries   of,    65. 

stationing   of,    61. 
appeal   from,   62. 

stewards'  duties  regarding.  32. 


INDEX  191 

superannuated,   50,   66. 

supernumerary,   50. 

support  of.  22,  65. 

withdrawal  of,  61. 
local  : 

defined,  50. 

voting  of,  17. 
quarterly  conference  : 

course  of  reading  for.  46,   71. 

examination  of,  45,  71. 

license   of,   44. 

recommendation   to  annual    conference.   46. 

renewal  of  license,  35.   46. 

required  to  hold  church  membership,   29. 

trial  of,  35,   57. 

restrictions  upon,  60. 

preachers    from    other    churches,    49. 
Presiding  elders  : 

duties   of,    53,    126. 

in  election   of  General   Conference  delegates,   40. 

regarding    incorporation   of   church   trustees,    53. 

regarding  Young  People's   societies,  53. 
election  of,  52. 

power   to   dismiss   pastors,   54. 
power  to  exchange  pastors,    54. 
reports  of,  53. 
stationing  of.   52. 
support  of,   52. 
vacancies   filled,   53. 
Presiding-ekler   steward,    31,    32. 
Printing  Establishment : 

election  of  officers,   127. 
employment  of  time.   129. 
local  committee,   127,   128. 
name,    127. 
proceeds  of,   129» 
publishing  agent,   duties  of.   128. 
settlement  of  accounts  with,   129. 
trustees — ^election   and  duties,   127. 
under   control  of   General   Conference.   16. 
vacancies,   129. 
Property  : 

church-houses   and  parsonages.   84. 
of  General  Board  of  Church  Trustees.  87. 
title  to.   17. 
Publications.    Church,    130. 
Publishing   House,   see   Printing   Establishment. 


192 


Quarterly  Conferexce : 

appeal  to  annual  conference,  36. 
appeals  and  trials,  35. 
apportionment   to   members,   36. 
duties  and  powers  of,  34. 
estimating  committee  appointed  by  the,  36. 
examination  of  applicants  for  license,  45. 
general  steward  appointed  by,  36. 
licensing  of  exhorters,  35,  44. 

of  preachers.   35,  44. 
members  of,  34. 
place  of  meeting,  36. 

quorum   for  transaction   of  business,    34. 
recommending  preachers  to  annual  conference,  35,  46. 
renewing  licenses,   35,   46. 
reviewing  acts   of   official   board,   34. 
trial    by,    57. 

Real  estate  for  church  purposes,  86. 
Records  : 

church,  64. 

of   class-leaders,    31. 

of  trials,  27. 

revision  of,  63. 
Reorganization  of  classes,  63. 
Reports  : 

of   bishops,   56. 

of  pastors,    63.   174. 

of  presiding  elders.   53. 

of  proceedings  of  General   Conference  authorized,   129. 
Representation  in  the  General  Conference,  15,  39. 
Resignation   of  pastors,   61. 
Revision  of  church   records.  63. 

Sabbath   observance,    14,  22,  81. 
Sacraments  : 

baptism  and  the  Lord's   Supper,   13. 

formulas  for  administering,  156,  157,  158. 
Salaries  : 

of  bishops,   54. 

of  church-erection  secretary,  123. 

of  editors,  127. 

of  missionaries.   66,    106. 

of  missionary  secretary  and  treasurer,  104. 

of  pastors,  65. 

of  presiding  elders.  52. 

of  publishing  agent,   127. 
Sandusky  Conference,  boundary  of,  151. 
Secret   combinations  : 

constitutional  provision,  17. 

law  on,  81. 


INDEX  193 

Secretaries  of  annual  conferences,   37, 

Security  of  missionary  treasurer,   104. 

Seekers,  20. 

Seminary  graduates,   76. 

Sermons,  special : 

by  bisbops,  57. 

on  education,   133. 

on  missions,  64. 
Singing,  21. 
Slavery,   17,   81. 

Southeast  Ohio  Conference,   boundary  of,   152. 
Southern  District,   144. 

Southwest  Kansas  Conference,  boundary  of,   145. 
Special  rules,  SO. 

St.  Joseph  Conference,  boundary  of,  152. 
Stationing   committee  : 

appeal  from,  62. 

for  bishops,  54. 

for  pastors,  61. 

for  presiding  elders,  52. 

time  of  reporting,  62. 
Stewards,   see   Class-stewards,  General  steward,   and   Presiding- 

elder  steward. 
Sunday-School   Board,   General : 

annual   collections  for,   89. 

annual-conference  relations,  90. 

Children's  Day,  to  provide  for,  89. 

composition  of,  88. 

constitution  of,   88. 

duties   and  powers,   89. 

meetings,    89. 

object,  88. 

oflBcers,  duties   of,   90. 

under  control  of  General  Conference,  16. 

use  of  funds,  90. 
Sunday   schools,  88. 

collections  for  missions  in,  93. 

constitution  for,   91. 

duties  of  superintendent,  92. 

duty  of  members  toward,  22. 

form  of  superintendent's  report,   174. 

organization  of,   91. 

pastor's  relation  to,  91. 

relation  to  missionary  work,  93. 
Superannuated   ministers  : 

itinerants,   50. 

support  of,  66. 
Superintendents  of  Sunday  schools,  91. 

election  by  quarterly  conference  provided  for,  92. 


194  INDEX 

Superintendents'  Association,  o5. 
Supernumerary  ministers.  50. 
Suspension  of  preachers,  57,  58. 

Teachers  of  Sunday  scliools,  02. 
Tellers  : 

annual-conference,  40. 
local,   40,   41. 
Temperance,   80. 

Thanksgiving  days,  bishops  may  appoint,  5G. 
Tobacco,  45.  48,   SO. 
Transfers  : 

of  members,  27,  170. 
of  preachers,   48,   172. 
limit   of  transfer,   49. 
Transfer   and   withdrav.-al   of   members : 
amenability  of  members,  29. 
certificate  of,  27. 
certificate    of    recommendation,    2S. 

of  withdrawal,  29. 
delincjuent  non-resident  members,  29. 
limit  of  certificates.  29. 
membership   of  preachers.   29. 
notice  of  forwarding  certificate,  28. 
notice  of  reception  on  certificate,  28. 
non-resident  members,   28. 
Treasurer  : 

of  local   church,   3.3,   34. 
of  Missionary   Society  : 
duties  of,  110. 
security  of,   104. 
Trials  : 

of   exhorters,    35,    57. 
of  members,  25,  26.  27. 
for  disobedience,   26. 
for   immoral   conduct.    25. 
going  to  lav/  forbidden,  27. 
in   disputes.   26. 
order   in,   27. 
personal  trespass,  25. 
president   at.   58,    63. 
records  of,   27. 
of  preachers,  57. 

annual-conference,   58. 
quarterly-conference,    35,    57. 
Trustees  : 

of  churches,  83. 

of    Printing    Establishment,    127. 

of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,   87. 

of   Woman's   Missionary  Association,    114. 


INDEX  195 

Uniox^  necessity  of  24. 
Union  Biblical  Seminary  : 

annual    collections    for,    i:^S. 

business  manager  of,  137. 

directors  of,  136,  137. 

endowment  funds,   138. 

entrance  examination,  139. 

obligation  of  faculty,  138. 

officers    of,    137. 

postgraduate   studies,   139. 

under  control  of  General  Conference.  16. 
United  Brethren  Publishing  House,  see  Printing  Establishment. 
Upper  Wabash  Conference,  boundary  of,  152. 

Vacancies  : 

in  bishopric,   56. 

in  pastoral  charges,  62. 

in   presiding  elders'  districts.    53. 
Vacant   church-houses   and   parsonages,    85. 
Virginia  Conference,  boundary  of.  153. 
Visiting  by  pastors,  65. 

War,  82. 

West  Africa  Conference,  boundary  of,   153. 

West  District,  bishops',  144. 

West  Nebraska  Conference,  boundary  of  153. 

West  Tennessee   Conference,  boundary  of,   152. 

West   Virginia   Conference,    troundary   of,    153. 

White  River  Conference,  boundary  of.   154, 

Wisconsin  Conference,  boundary  of,  154, 

Withdrawal    of    members,    27,    29,    170. 

Women's  Aid   Society,  constitution,   119. 

Woman's  Missionary  Association  : 

brancli  constitution,   115. 

branch  societies.   115. 

by-laws.  113. 

form   of   bequest.    115.    173. 

incorporation.   113. 

local  constitution.   117. 

management,   114. 

membership.   113. 

relation  to  Church.  115. 
Women,  granting  license  to,  47. 

Young  People's  Christian  Union  : 
branch  unions,  97. 
constitution  of.   95. 
conventions.   97. 
duties  of  pastors  toward,   63. 
duties  of  presiding  elders  toward,   53. 


196      ,  INDEX 

Junior  Society  : 

constitution,  98. 

pledge,  99. 
organization,  94. 

presidents  of,   members   of  quarterly  conference.   34. 
reports  to  General  Conference,  94. 
reports  to   quarterly  conference,  94,   175. 
Watchicord,  94. 
young  members  to  unite  with,  22. 


80ittiitBoutttitHB{Biiiinuuinmnmumutm(niiiuuw»tiuituiii»HmimiuiiWiii^ 


bXyo/8.52.Al  1905 

Origin,  doctrine,  constitution,  and 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 
h 

:\ 
s 


1    1012  00045  6295 


iiiiiii: 
iiiiiiliii: 


liliiliiiiiiiiiiliii^ 


IIMfp- 


ivMmUv 


iii 

iniinnfinnfmtitfhtrmflfttmtfnfntn:itiiiiiiiHiinniininininiiH!iiftimtfttt^ 


